The presentations are designed as an opportunity for you to engage in in-depth research about a topic of your choice contextualized within a cultural/identified group of your choice, and to share that information with your colleagues. There are three dimensions that you should address in your preparation for the presentation: content, organization, and presentation style. This presentation provides the overview of our CA research and topic.
CONTENT
As in good instruction, the material presented should not reflect the limits of your knowledge (i.e. you should know much more about your topic than the presentation time allows).
Here are some questions that I will address when evaluating your presentations:
Was there evidence of research? (Make sure you cite appropriate works.)
Was research adequate? Were data sources credible?
Were multiple perspectives/ data sources represented?
Were selected topics relevant and significant? (Or was it a collection of “facts”?)
Were dominant themes/ issues identified?
Did themes/ issues selected reflect critical analysis?
Was presentation informative? (What new information did you provide?)
Was content selected to better understand the group from an “insider” perspective?
What were the implications of information for interpersonal relationships, educators, professionals, citizens?
Did content help us to reflect about educational / social policy and practice in the USA?
** A minimum of 5 scholarly reference sources per student.
ORGANIZATION
Given the time limits of the presentation it is important that you are able to identify the key ideas from your research and present them in a precise and concise manner. A well-organized presentation will have the following features:
A central theme/ thesis that integrates all information presented
An attention getting introduction (a preview of topics and rationale for the choice of such topics; creation of the desired “atmosphere” for the presentation)
Clearly delineated topic areas (no overlap; logical choice of topics)
Balance in areas of focus (one section not significantly longer or more detailed than the other, esp. if those areas are deemed to be of equal importance)
Smooth and logical transitions between sections
Clear link between main topic of the group and the subtopics of the individual presentation
PRESENTATION STYLE
Find ways to keep your audience involved and engaged. Here are some suggestions.
Be creative. Do not limit yourself to a preconceived notion of what a presentation “should” be. (But remember the format choice is made after you know what information you have!)
Use a variety of presentation modes (e.g. power point, videos/ DVDs, class activities, charts, dramatizations). Remember that the use of multiple teaching styles will stimulate learning for students of diverse learning styles.
Think about how a visual might save you time.
Interact with the audience. Talk to them, not at them. Please try not to read!! By all means use notes, but you must make sure that you practice presentation skills; not reading skills!
Be interested in your own presentation. If you appear bored or confused by your information, so will your audience.
Be prepared. Have all materials well organized. Have a plan for classroom set up.
Keep within your agreed-upon time limit.