AOSARS HOSTS PRACTICAL TRAINING ON AUTOMATED MS WORD THESIS FORMATTING
On Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, the African Online School of Applied Research Skills (AOSARS) successfully conducted an intensive virtual training session focused on automated Microsoft Word formatting for thesis and dissertation writing. The event attracted participants from across Africa, including postgraduate students, academic supervisors, research consultants, and early-career scholars.
The training was designed to address the technical challenges that many researchers face when formatting lengthy academic documents. Participants were introduced to structured and automated formatting techniques using Microsoft Word — a skillset increasingly recognized as essential for producing professionally formatted academic work.
Key areas of focus included the use of standardized heading styles (Heading 1, 2, and 3) to create a clear document hierarchy, along with the application of the Normal style to maintain consistency in body text. Participants were shown how to properly insert and format tables and figures, apply dynamic captions, and group related visuals for coherence. One of the highlights of the session was the demonstration of cross-referencing tools, which allow for automatic updating of linked headings, tables, and figures throughout a document.
Another significant component of the training involved managing page numbering — a common challenge for thesis writers. Attendees learned how to apply Roman numerals for preliminary pages and switch to Arabic numbering for the main content using section breaks. In addition, the session covered the generation of automated tables of contents, lists of tables, and lists of figures, all of which can be modified and updated as the document evolves. Proper adjustment of margins and document layout to align with academic standards was also addressed.
In addition to the technical training, participants were introduced to a range of ongoing learning opportunities available through the AOSARS platform. These include self-paced postgraduate research courses designed to support scholars at various stages of the research process, as well as one-on-one coaching services for those seeking personalized academic support.
For individuals who were unable to attend the live session, a recorded version of the training is now available for subscription through the AOSARS e-learning platform. Interested learners can access the recording and explore related courses by visiting:
👉 https://aosars.com/postgraduate-research-e-courses/
Feedback from participants indicated a strong appreciation for the practical, easy-to-follow approach of the training. Many noted that the techniques covered would significantly reduce the time spent on formatting and improve the overall presentation of their research documents.
By offering this type of skills-based training, AOSARS continues to play a critical role in enhancing research capacity across Africa. The institution remains committed to equipping scholars with the practical tools they need to succeed in both academic and professional settings.
Further information about upcoming training sessions, course offerings, and coaching opportunities can be found at www.aosars.com.
