Job Discussion Forums

[gaijinalways]

Have any of you had students do group poster presentations?

I'm considering having students do group poster presentations this semester. One drawback is that most of the classes are not in CALL or PC rooms, so students cannot work on any of this project in class. In addition (though it may sound odd for Japan, which is very high tech in some ways) I don't think it's easy to reserve PC rooms as they tend to be oversubscribed at these schools. I wonder if this will be a major problem, printing, etc.. Anyone had experience dealing with that?

Also I am considering themes for having student submit ideas to present on. I am wondering how narrow or wide to make the theme, envisioning pros and cons for both. I'm not sure I want to make it too technical, but I would like them to have to do research, so a somewhat serious theme would be better.

I have done group presentations before, and am familiar with some of the problems that group projects present. I will have 7 classes at 3 unis doing this project, so I will have some chance to compare what they do. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanx,

GA

[spiral78]

I've just given a group a task to do individual presentations on a theme. The theme is 'money,' and there are millions of possible presentation topics, all the way from Keynesian economic theory to how a mortgage works, to saving for retirement or paying for university study or a trip abroad.

They had to negotiate who would do what topic inside the theme first. You could have them do the negotiation in class (a useful task in itself on lots of levels).

Other themes I've had success with: Learning/Love/Law

[gaijinalways]

I would have to say that these students are beginner to low intermediate. The topics could be general, but the negotiation may take a long time.

[spiral78]

hmmm, yeah, mine are upper-int to advanced
More decision-making on your part is likely needed.
Also, probably skip the discussion in English of Keynesian economic theory - not that they may not be experts in the field, the the language demands in English could be too hard


Maybe more effective themes in such a situation:
places in the world (world map could facilitate this nicely)
weather (ditto on the map)
food
football teams

I think the theme idea is still useful....maybe!

[Glenski]

Forget using computers. Students spend too much time decorating and making elaborate artwork. That's totally unnecessary to the language aspect of our work!

They usually have tons of colored pens and pencils, so practically all you have to provide is the paper. Up to you to decide how big such a poster has to be, so tape together however many sheets are necessary.

The point is the language, not the design (although you might want to emphasize that, or give minor points for creativity). Have them practice in front of the whole class first, and each group makes a question page for the audience to fill out. Then, perhaps on another day, half the group walks around the room to view the others' posters and ask questions (perhaps finish their worksheet, too), and the other half stays to present. Give a little time, then switch places.

[gaijinalways]

Glenski posted

[gaijinalways]

I'm wondering, considering classroom constraints and group dynamics, how many people per group should be ideal?

The classes range in size from 15 to about 24 students.

[Glenski]

Make it an even number so that half can go around and half can talk about their poster. I'd say 2 is best, because then a pair doesn't go around and ask the same questions. Better for individual learning.

[gaijinalways]

Thanks Glenski for the advice. No, probably be education related, so not too scientific !

I might make the groups bigger just from the point of view that I think with too many groups it might be too confusing to have too many groups to manage. Also with more people, it's more likely I will at least have someone come to report on group progress etc...

In other words, with some classes attendance is an issue, with it being sporadic for some students, and of course I am less likely to know who and which classes this will be a problem with until much further into the semester.

[gaijinalways]

I'm wondering if speeding up brainstorming is a good idea or not. For example, I plan to use a theme of education, and want to give them some examples of possible presentation ideas. How many should I give my students to get them started?

[nickpellatt]

I dont know if this is likely to be of any use or not, feel free to disregard it. My son has launched a magazine in the UK, and one of the features they run is a page called 'Good Cop/Bad Cop', which is devoted to what they see as being 'hot or not', going up or going down', in terms of fashion, popular culture etc.

I did intend doing a poster idea based on this same theme, using his template to model from, discussing some vocab, and then asking my students to design/make a similar poster, but culturally specific to them and their tastes.

I havent actually tried the lesson yet...but I would intend using it to illustrate some popular informal vocabulary to describe whats is 'cool', and would encourage them to do the same in their posters and presentations.

I do have a PDF copy of his first 'good cop/bad cop' which I can forward to you if it is any use at all. PM me with an email addy if it might be of use to you!

[gaijinalways]

Thanks for that Nick, I'm sure it will come in handy as another theme to do. What's popular is always of interest, and always a learning experience for teachers as our younger students probably have much better idea of what is going on than we do.

[jdl]

Perhaps the following links will provide some practical information on the braimstorming/problem solving/decision making process which is the basis for managing the group dynamic in any classroom. Work by Rogers and Rogers also is helpful in the management of groups and the teachers role (decisions the teacher makes to influence the group dynamic) in the effective functioning of groups. These decisions range from the dermination of group size to achieve specific outcomes, the determination of individual roles within the group, the use of advance organizers and guidelines to guide group function, tailoring group presentaions for particular purposes, the role of active listening in effective group dynamics...etc. The role of facilitator/teacher is often more one of an active listener than sage. The shift from a teacher centered classroom to a student centered one is a challenging and brave move.

http://www.mindtools.com/brainstm.html

http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/PD/instr/strats/brainstorming/index.html

http://www.brainstorming.co.uk/tutorials/brainstormingrules.html

Another very good source for information on the role of the teacher in the classroom from a social dynamic point of view is the National Saff Development Council.

The concepts and practices of student centered learning are gradually finding their way into the overseas ESL classrooms with the role of the teacher changing accordingly.

This is indeed a great opportunity for some self directed PD.

[gaijinalways]

Sorry jdl, I'm looking mostly at a time management issue, not primarily concerned with improving my management of brainstorming in my classes. I will certainly look at the links you've provided, but I do know the time constraints I'll be dealing with and the usual levels of these incoming students. This group poster presentation is a supplemental side project that I'm doing in these classes.

It's always good to learn(or relearn) things, but you can really over-think this job (or any for that matter) and its related activities and their planning.

jdl posted

[jdl]

Time management in the classroom certainly is a skill especially when attempting group activities in which students are active and more self directed than in the more traditional classroom. Perhaps the following link from the same people (Mind Tools) will be a lead to some useful time management techniques. This group seems to have taken an interdisciplinary approach which may make the application of the concepts to the classroom a little more 'user friendly'

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_HTE.htm

This second link leads to an explanation of the use of the 'Gallery Walk' as a technique for student presentations. This technique may facilitate the teacher's management of the instructional time to greater effect

http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/gallerywalk/how.html