Word Processing Skills

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is designed for Year 10 students within a flexible learning environment, focusing on identifying and describing common word processing software, its key features and functions aligned with the Australian Curriculum (v9) for Technologies. Students will be guided through creating a simple formal document—specifically a resume—using core tools such as text formatting, image insertion, and file saving. The lesson includes step-by-step instructions, success criteria, and a checklist to support differentiated learning needs.

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Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum Content Descriptions (Technologies - Digital Technologies, Year 9 and 10):

• AC9TDE10P03: Select, justify, test and use suitable technologies, skills and processes, and apply safety procedures to safely make designed solutions.
• AC9TDE10P04: Develop design criteria independently including sustainability to evaluate design ideas, processes and solutions.
• Literacy links (English curriculum):
  • Plan, create, edit and publish written texts for specific purposes and audiences.

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Learning Intention

• Students will understand the common features and functions of word processing software.
• Students will be able to create a formal document (resume) using key word processing skills including formatting text, inserting images and saving files appropriately.

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Success Criteria

Students will:

• Identify at least five common features of word processing software (e.g., font style/size, alignment, bullet points, inserting images).
• Apply formatting to text for layout clarity and professionalism.
• Insert and appropriately position an image within the document.
• Save the document correctly using a logical file naming convention.
• Evaluate their document layout and clarity using a provided checklist.

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Resources

• Computers with word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs)
• Projector/display for demonstration
• Sample resume document (digital and printed)
• Word processing features checklist (printed for students)
• Step-by-step instruction handout
• USB drives / cloud storage access for saving files

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Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity
0-10m	Introduction

• Briefly discuss word processing software and its common uses.
• Show screenshots/examples of features: font formatting, paragraph alignment, bulleting, inserting images.
• Explain the learning intention and success criteria, distributing checklists. | | 10-20m| Teacher-led Demonstration
• Step-by-step live tutorial creating a simple resume:
  1. Open the word processor and create a new document.
  2. Enter heading text for the resume using formatting (bold, font size).
  3. Insert bullet points for skills and experiences.
  4. Insert an image (e.g., placeholder photo).
  5. Save the document with a clear file name (e.g., Lastname_Resume.docx). | | 20-40m| Guided Student Practice
• Students open their word processor and follow the tutorial to create their own resume.
• Circulate to provide individual support; encourage use of checklist to self-assess feature use and layout. | | 40-50m| Peer Review and Reflection
• Pair students to review each other’s resumes using the checklist.
• Share constructive feedback focusing on formatting, clarity, and correct functionality. | | 50-60m| Wrap-up and Q&A
• Reiterate key word processing features and their importance in formal documents.
• Address any questions, highlight next steps for improving skills or creating other formal documents. |

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Assessment

• Formative: Observation and support during guided practice to ensure correct usage of software tools.
• Peer Assessment: Use of checklist to review peers’ documents provides immediate feedback.
• Success Criteria Checklist: Completed by students to self-monitor their achievement and areas for improvement.

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Step-By-Step Tutorial Instructions (Summary for Students)

1. Open your word processing software and begin a new blank document.
2. Type your name and contact info at the top; apply bold and choose a clear font size (e.g., 16 pt).
3. Add the heading “Resume” in a larger size or underline to distinguish it.
4. Enter sections like Education, Skills, and Experience. Use bullet points to list items clearly.
5. Highlight section headings and use formatting (bold/italics) for clarity.
6. Insert an appropriate image (e.g., a small photo or icon) by using the Insert menu.
7. Format the document layout for neatness: adjust alignment (left, centre), line spacing, and margins as needed.
8. Save your document regularly. Name your file using your last name and “Resume” (e.g., Smith_Resume.docx).
9. Use the checklist to make sure all key features have been applied and the document looks professional.

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Sample Resume Structure (for demonstration)

[Name]
[Contact Information: phone, email, address]

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Resume

Objective
Brief statement of career or study goals.

Education

• Year 10, [School Name], Expected graduation: 202X

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Google Docs
• Excellent communication skills
• Team collaboration

Experience

• Volunteer, Local Library – Assisted with cataloguing books
• Part-time assistant, Retail Store – Customer service and stock management

References
Available on request.

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Checklist for Students

Feature	Used (✓)	Comments
Headings formatted clearly
Bullet points used for lists
Text aligned appropriately
Font styles and sizes consistent
Image inserted and positioned
Document saved with correct name
Overall document layout neat and clear

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Differentiation and Support

• Provide printed step-by-step guides with screenshots for students needing extra support.
• Use peer mentoring for students who grasp concepts quickly to assist others.
• Allow flexible pacing with checkpoints and individual support during guided practice.
• Encourage use of accessibility features in software (e.g., text-to-speech) where applicable.

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This detailed plan ensures alignment with the Australian Curriculum (v9) Technologies content and achievement standards relevant to Year 10, addresses flexible learning needs by incorporating structured guidance and peer support, and leverages a real-world application (resume writing) to engage students with essential digital literacy skills.