Visual Presentation Assignment

In Research & Lit, the kids write their junior research paper, and they also give a presentation of their findings to the class in lieu of a final exam. Since some folks in the department were interested in using this kind of assignment in their classes, I'm posting the assignment sheet for others to critique, borrow, adapt, etc.

Right now, I like it quite a lot, but I think I could improve on it. I want to better capture the sense of how important and meaningful it is to develop ideas through the examination of evidence and then to own those ideas by presenting them to a group of intellectuals in written form and in person. The world is full enough of bad Powerpoint already, and I want my kids to be able to wow people with their insight and poise.


Research & Literature
Final Assessment: Visual Presentation

Your culminating activity for Research & Literature will be to synthesize what you've learned in your research into a visual presentation which you will present to the class during the exam period. Think of your presentation as your opportunity to demonstrate all of the knowledge you gained about your topic by discussing the most compelling aspects of your research paper to the class.

You will:
• Create a visual presentation using the format of your choice (e.g., Prezi, Powerpoint, Keynote, etc.) or another visual medium, provided you clear it with me in advance.
• Include: a title slide, at least one slide per major section of your paper, and a concluding slide that summarizes your exploration. You should also include a works cited slide to cite any sources cited in the presentation and any visuals that you use.  You should have a maximum of 12 slides.
• Avoid text-heavy slides. You will not read your slides to us, but use the slides as talking points. In general, the less text you use, the more punch it has.
• Create a presentation that demonstrates your expertise with your topic.
• Find images that present information or illuminate your topic for every slide. Avoid clip art or distracting audio. Emblematic quotes can be pertinent but should not be overused.
• Submit your final project to me by e-mail.

An excellent presentation will:
• Present both your perspective and the most relevant information you gathered in your research.
• Clearly synthesize the scope of the argument yet focus on only the salient points.
• Seamlessly use the visual medium to aid audience understanding.
• Use succinct, eloquent, clear, and varied language.
• Be free of mechanical or grammatical errors.
• Focus the class efficiently.
• Demonstrate thorough rehearsal of the material.
• Move through the material logically and with smooth transitions between sections.
• Demonstrate professionalism both in the quality of the slides and in the demeanor of the presenter.
• Convince us of the merits of your perspective and the reliability of your research.
• Conclude efficiently.