Everyone has read them, and almost everyone has written one at least once. A report is basic communication through which we document information and share it onward. A report is used to communicate information about operations, research findings, or simply to announce what has happened. A report can also serve as a tool for influence, directing actions in a desired direction. Ultimately, a concise and focused report is always the writer’s interpretation of the subject of the report.
A report is a paper, article, announcement, or similar account that must include detailed information collected through observation, investigation, or other research methods. (Dictionary.com)
A report is also a tool for learning. It requires the writer to immerse themselves in the topic, exploring its background and the factors influencing it. A report is easy to combine with one’s own research, the results obtained, and the conclusions drawn. In a learning environment, a report also serves as a tool for reflection: What did I learn, where did I succeed, and where do I still need to improve? Writing a report together with others teaches listening to others, understanding unfamiliar working methods and perspectives, and finding common ground.
In the Sustainable Development program at Häme University of Applied Sciences, reports are one of the fundamental learning methods. So far, I have written 23 reports during my studies. These include 10 individual Finnish reports (313 pages), 8 team Finnish reports (147 pages), 2 individual English reports (32 pages), and 3 team English reports (80 pages). I am currently working on a 40-page team report in English, so once completed, the total amount of reports will exceed 600 pages during my studies.
This may sound like a lot to some, so I must admit that these figures include a few courses outside of the main program. The Sustainable Development studies at HAMK are certainly not solely about report writing; they also encompass a lot of other interesting subjects.
What has this intense report writing given me? I have found the report to be a valuable and effective learning tool, both in terms of the subjects and teamwork. Writing reports has sparked my interest in the topics and encouraged me to explore them from different perspectives. It has taught me how to search for and find reliable information, analyze data, and identify the key points. The reports have also taught me how to summarize and have helped improve my written communication skills. Additionally, reports serve as documents where the knowledge I’ve gained is preserved, and through which I can share what I’ve discovered, learned, and the conclusions I’ve drawn.
I see the report primarily as an opportunity, both for the individual and the team, but also for the organization. A well-written report is an effective learning tool. In an organization, it serves as a solid aid for decision-making, allowing things to be verified, organized, documented, and moved forward. That’s what it is, this beloved report.
Dear report. Key points summarized on one slide.
EN 
FI