Academic Article Group Presentations

Reading 6-Final Project

Academic Article Presentations

One of the most common assignments in many university classes is to read an academic article and then present the article to your class. Usually the presentations are 15 minutes followed by a question and answer session. Often you must work in a group. Some kind of visual (like a Power Point) is almost always required. Basically, you act as the teacher that day for the particular article you chose. Your classmates are usually supposed to have read the same article, but sometimes they have not so you have to be very clear. Also, your teacher is judging how well you understood the content and how well you can link the article to what you already know or have previously learned. People get bored with the “same old, same old” so it is your job not to just repeat what was said in the article but to make it relatable, easy to understand and entertaining.

How do you make an academic article relatable, easy to understand, and entertaining?

I’m glad you asked!

Here are some pointers:

·         Include an image on every slide

·         Never have more than 3 full sentence on a single slide

·         Try to just type main ideas (not full sentences) and then fill in the details with speaking

·         Move around while you present, don’t stand in one place

·         Engage your audience by making eye contact, smiling, and speaking loudly and clearly

·         Have a clear introduction and a clear conclusion

·         Get your audience to participate by asking for their opinions and asking them questions

·         Make your presentation easy to understand

·         Define any key vocabulary (use images when possible)

·         Choose one or two short key quotes from the article to share (not more than 2-3 sentences)

·         Make it personal: talk about why you chose the article, what you found interesting, what shocked you, etc.

·         Make jokes and look like you’re having fun. When you are enjoying your presentation, your audience enjoys your presentation (the opposite is also true)

Hint: If someone could read your power point without you there and still understand the article, your power point has too much information! It should just be an outline. You fill in with dialogue!

The Assignment:

You will choose an academic article from a Psychology course at USD. Read the article and make an interesting power point presentation. Your intention is to make the article relatable, easy to understand and entertaining for your audience.

Length: 10-15 minutes

Due Date: 5/1 and 5/3

What to include:

  Title

  Question/ Author’s purpose

Main Ideas

  Findings

Key terms, definitions

Things that surprised you

Things that shocked you

 Things you found interesting

9Things you agree with/have seen in your real life

1Things you don’t agree with. Why don’t you agree?

1One or two short key quotes

1Interesting statistics      

1Conclude with a question and answer session

1As an audience you will be required to ask at least 1 question.