Content is the most important part of your presentation.
1. The quality of the research.
· topic should be thoroughly researched
2. Organization and transition.
· logical flow from beginning to end, like in written work
· draw an outline before you consider making PP.
Visual Design
The following points contain information that can help strengthen the visual part of your presentation.
1. 6 x 6
· Use a maximum of 6 points per slide and 6 words per point.
2. Use text sparingly.
· Don’t over do each slide with information
3. Select colors with care.
· More color isn’t always better
· Keep it simple and easy to read!
· Use dark text on light background or light text on dark background.
4. Keep unity of design from slide to slide.
5. Font size is important: Use no font size smaller than 24 point.
Clearly label each screen. Use a larger font (35-45 points) or different color for the title.
· Print out a slide containing text, then place the page on the floor. Can you read the slide from a standing position? If yes, then your audience can likely read it from their seats. If no, then the font size needs to be increased. Or stand 2 meters from your screen- Can you read it?
6. Avoid animated texts, sounds, and fancy transitions.
· These distract from your presentation
7. Images can be great
· Select carefully and be appropriate to the point(s) you want to make.
· Watch size, too–images too small are not helpful.
Presentation
Check the spelling and grammar.
Do not read the presentation. Practice the presentation so you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than a message for the viewer.
Give a brief overview at the start. Then present the information. Finally review important points.
It is often more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading the screen.
If sound effects are used, wait until the sound has finished to speak.
Characteristics of Effective Groups
The atmosphere tends to be informal, comfortable, and relaxed.
During discussions everyone participates, and the discussion remains pertinent to the task of the group.
The task or objective is well understood and accepted by all group members.
The members listen to each other. Every idea is given a fair hearing.
Criticism and questioning are frequent, frank, and constructive. There is little evidence of personal attack.
When action is taken, each member accepts a responsibility and whatever specific, clear tasks that are assigned.
Go to source: Characteristics of Effective Groups
Participant Rubric
A Level Participant
Participant offers enough solid analysis, without prompting, to move the conversation forward
Participant, through her comments, demonstrates a deep knowledge of the text and the question
Participant has come to the seminar prepared, with notes and a marked/annotated text
Participant, through her comments, shows that she is actively listening to other participants
Participant offers clarification and/or follow-up that extends the conversation
Participant’s remarks often refer back to specific parts of the text.
B Level Participant
Participant offers solid analysis without prompting
Through comments, participant demonstrates a good knowledge of the text and the question
Participant has come to the seminar prepared, with notes and a marked/annotated text
Participant shows that he/she is actively listening to others and offers clarification and/or follow-up
C Level Participant
Through comments, participant demonstrates a general knowledge of the text and question
Participant is less prepared, with few notes and no marked/annotated text
Participant is actively listening to others, but does not offer clarification and/or follow-up to others’ comments
Participant relies more upon his or her opinion, and less on the text to drive her comments
A Socratic seminar aims to promote a balanced and open-minded consideration of ideas, values and issues. A good seminar is one in which the members work together to help each other understand. In order to participate effectively you need to keep in mind the following:
- Be prepared as you will need to support your interpretations with textual evidence.
- Understand that you are a vital element to the seminar.
- Come to the seminar with questions, thoughts, feelings and points you want to make.
- Do not let others answer all the questions.
- Take risks.
- Be an active listener.
- Realize that your feelings are just as important as your thoughts
