How do I write a protocol?
Table of contents
Formal
The header, which contains all the information on the material circumstances, is important. As occasion/title e.g.: Minutes of Proseminar "Title", under the direction of... Listed in a clear form:
- Date
- Number of participants
- Seminar leader
- minute taker
- Numbered outline/agenda
This is followed by the main body and the signature.
The principles of academic writing (citation, bibliography, footnotes, italics) also apply here.
Contents
All relevant information must be reproduced (in summarized form). It is advisable to structure a results report according to thematic focal points, i.e. only results and facts should be referenced. The sequence or chronology is only important for a progress report. The structure must already show clarity. Only leave out what is really unimportant (any interim remarks, trivialities). Refer to materials (reader), slides, blackboard pictures, etc. and only reproduce what is not available to all recipients of the minutes.
Style
The most important stylistic feature is indirect speech. Please be sure to use the correct subjunctive forms. Avoid "Student x asked about the vowel quality..."; use indirect speech, preferably results-oriented: "The problem of vowel quality is evident in classical Latin...". Make sure you use good and correct German. Please do not make subjective evaluations, but aim for objective reporting.
A correct protocol ends with the signature of the minute taker and the date.