Teaching Tips on Student Created Powerpoint Presentations in the Classroom

When the lights go off and a PowerPoint_
presentation begins, it can be the start of(encourage students to be as specific as possible
something different and unique, depending on how- ie. what steps have been done to prevent the
you plan your lesson. It is the time when studentsSaber Tooth tiger from being extinct)
can exploit their creative skills. presentations alsoPreparing the Slides
appeal to a variety of learning styles especially theWhen students do more planning, the actual
students who learn best visually.creative part comes easier for them.
Students may have even started to approachPresentations are also being used more and more
you with their thoughts of presenting afor student projects, homework and performance
PowerPoint presentation to their peers. While thistasks. Maximizing student attention and focus is of
is a nice thought, it is a skill that needs practice.utmost necessity for ALL presentations but even
Teach your new students the essentials ofmore in particular for High School research
PowerPoint presentations. Most students learn byprojects.
doing, so even if the first PowerPoint presentationHowever just like a teacher's unsuccessful lesson,
does not go according to plan, that is alright. Youa presentation can disappoint and upset the fluidity
could spring from the first test case and showof a lesson plan. Here are some tips to encourage
the students how to think in terms of PowerPointmaximum student participation and focus.
presentations from planning to doing.1.Make sure the font size is large enough.
The Lesson Plan is in the Planning StageEncourage the students to view the font size
Encourage students to think before they preparefrom the back of the room as a indicator. Have a
their slides. What is the actual hook of theirbalance between information and visual data.
presentation? Here are a few basic generic2.Encourage students to stop and explain, not
questions to help get them started.simply to read off the slide. This is the part where
My PowerPoint presentation is on:they can add or elucidate something thus giving
__________________________ (subject)the slide their own personal touch.
I want to teach:3.Encourage five minute of questioning and five
___________________________minute of feedback. This ensure quality control
(examples here are helpful)and a balance between media and students.
I will present the information by:4.Test all technological setups and communications
______________________(ie. giving facts,prior to presenting the lesson plan in class.
showing pictures, asking questions, playing music,5.Keep it Interactive
graphs)Interactive presentations should combine a variety
At the end of the lesson, I want the students toof media. Use non-visual date such as charts and
know more about:pictures with captions.