Situating your chapter

Assumed prior knowledge

What concepts do learners need to already be familiar with in order to engage effectively with your chapter? How will you signpost this early to avoid learner confusion or frustration?

Example: "In this chapter we will explore X. You should already be familiar with Y and Z."

Connections to other chapters

Briefly outline how this chapter will relate to others in the book. Does it build on the concepts explained in a 'previous' chapter? Do you anticipate that other chapters will build off this one?

Discuss this with your editor to ensure the book’s content is scaffolded through effective pathways.

Glossary terms: specialist terminology

Identify words, phrases and acronyms that may be unfamiliar to learners – or that have special meaning in your discipline – and add them to the glossary in your chapter template.

Clear definitions will help learners to engage effectively with your chapter, particularly students whose first language is not English.

Example: Digital in-text glossary

Knowledge Checks

Scaffold your content with knowledge checks so learners can self-assess their progress. You must include at least one knowledge check at the end of your chapter. However, we encourage you to consider knowledge checks throughout your chapter as you scaffold key areas.

This is a digital open textbook, so you have a range of options (e.g. interactive knowledge checks).

Example: Quiz-based check using H5P

Example: Ordering exercise using H5P

Example: Actively engaging with figures using H5P

If you’re unfamiliar with H5P but want to try it, get in touch with the eBureau team for support.

Referencing

Consult your OER editor about which referencing style to use. If in doubt, use APA 7.