Student Presentations
Sarah Lynn
My students enjoy giving formal presentations. With a predictable format but open topics, students get the opportunity to challenge themselves and make a unique contribution to the class.
How-to Presentations
During break-time, I’ve noticed how often students share knowledge about how to get things done in the U.S. I decided to bring that conversation out of the hallway (and their native tongue) and into the class for everyone to hear. …
It’s called the How-to Presentation. In this presentation type, students investigate how to do something in the U.S. and then explain the process to the class.
1. Students choose a topic to investigate; for example:
- how to get a library card
- how to use a debit card
- how to sign your child up for school
- how to get a driver’s license
- how to get inexpensive movie tickets
- how to get special prices on tickets to events in the area
- how to make a reservation at a state park
2. They present their information to the class in a 3-4 minute presentation. (The sessions are distributed throughout the term.)
3. Students use a format to guide their presentation.
- They write the title and key words on the board.
- They list any necessary items for the task (a driver’s license, a credit card, a utility bill)
- They explain the process in steps.
- They ask the class a comprehension question.
4. The class listens, asks questions, answers the comprehension check, and completes a feedback sheet.
Show and Tell
This is a classic K-12 forum and it works well in any level ESOL class as well. Students bring in an object that has special value to them and then tell the story behind the object. I’ve had students bring in the most extraordinary things: baby blankets, stones, wedding gifts, musical instruments, children’s school work, and lucky charms. Every item is accompanied by a powerful story. These sessions have prompted some of the most moving and revealing moments in class.
The format is similar to the how-to presentation:
1. Students show their treasured object to the class and explain its importance in a 3-4 minute presentation. (The sessions are distributed throughout the term.)
2. Students use a format to guide their presentation.
- They write the name of the object and key words to their presentation on the board.
- They explain the importance of the object.
- Usually they pass the object around the class so everyone can examine it.
3. The class listens, asks questions, and completes a feedback sheet.
What kinds of presentations do you do in class? Share your ideas at the Teacher2Teacher blog
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