National Human Genome Research Institute | National Institutes of Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |
Guidelines for Great Presentations
Bring Your Presentation to LifeStudents succeed in learning content by becoming involved in the process
Discussion Versus LectureStudents become more interested because they are involved. The objective of modern science instruction is to teach science as a process with emphasis on the cognitive development of the individual, students must have the opportunity to think. A lecture is passive learning with little thinking required, just staying awake. Students are often thrilled to discover fundamental ideas for themselves and not simply be told. Tips for a good discussion:
DemonstrationDemonstration can be used for many reasons: lower cost, availability of equipment, economy of time, less hazard from dangerous materials, direction of the thinking process, or to show the use of equipment.
Students directly relate effectiveness of the laboratory experience to the amount of individual participation. The ideal arrangement would be to have each student wholly responsible for conducting the experiment from start to finish. This would include the preliminary planning, gathering materials, preparation of apparatus, designing the method, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions. Such an ideal situation would insure that the work of the individual student could be evaluated and that every student would have a maximum learning experience. If the facilities available or the time allotted do not allow for individual work, teams may be formed to accomplish the task. Different activities may be assigned to each team or all teams may work on the same task and the data can be compared and evaluated together. Provide a clear structure and work assignments. Teachers may assist in assigning laboratory chiefs, or group selection. Laboratory chiefs or team leaders can collect or pool data and facilitate all team activities. The atmosphere should be as realistic and professional as possible. This may include safety procedures, solution preparation, and storage of materials, and keeping accurate data books. Laboratory activities should foster teamwork, skill development, and a reinforcement of theory in its application. The process of discovery can be exciting and rewarding for students when accomplished in an atmosphere of safe risk taking. A scientist provides expert guidance to foster appropriate experimentation.
Prepare and Know Your AudienceBy knowing what the students have been exposed to, the scientist can make his presentation understandable and yet stimulating and challenging. What can I expect a student to know? What skills will the students possess? What You Should Know Before Entering the Classroom:
Last Reviewed: February 2006 |