power point presentation
Can pp presentations be used too often?
Hi Chelsea:
One general, all-purpose guideline to remember about using power-point is this – don’t read the slides to the students. Unless you’re deliberately trying to make a point, reading slides is the quickest way to have students tune out during the lesson.
Instead, it’s better to cover the main points on the slide, and have the students refer to the notes on their own.
Regards, Barry
Hi Susan:
Additionally, we can also have activities to accompany whatever presentation tool we are using as a way of breaking up the flow of class and address other styles of learning other than "audio" learners.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michael:
Any media can be overused like you described, In general, most consider it effective to have a variety of teaching methods used to address as many learning styles as possible.
However, you made a strong point - this won't always be practical for some classes (like 40+ students).
Regards, Barry
Hi Trish:
Excellent! They shouldn't be the only tool used. Ideally, in all learning environments, there are a variety of taeching methods being used to address as many learning styles as possible.
Regards, Barry
Hi Samuel:
I'd like to further support your sentiment about not reading the slide. Most people can probably read for themselves, and studies show that most learners are not "audio" learners anyway.
So like you said, it's important to be prepared to make additional comments that support the data on the slide.
Regards, Barry
Yes! I rarely to never use powerpoint -- mostly because I myself can't stand to watch a powerpoint presentation. I would rather use a handout or write on the board actively than simply scroll through a pp.
I agree, I use powerpoints as my main teaching strategy, the main point is to ad-lib like you said and not read from the slides.
I think a lot of it has to do with class size. If you have a large class (40+), sometimes that's the best way of conveying information. And, since you can incorporate videos, audio, and visuals, it's a good way of engaging the other senses.
But, ultimately... yes it can be used too often. Just like lecture can be overused, so too can Power Point. It's all about moderation, variety, and working to keep the students engaged and on their toes.
I think it is a great tool and I use it a lot in the classroom, but I don't let this be my only source of information. I think students get so concerned with writing the information they may miss some of the discussion that is going on. Variety always makes things fresh.
No I use them all the time. As long as you have them prepared properly, and do not read from the slides they are an effective way to move through material point by point. Having ad-lib comments on each slide and highlighting the important slides with commentary will drive home an important point.
yes;mix it up with whiteboard usage and brainstorming;pp is the passive part except when they prompt discussion
yes, I use frequently but the lights remain low but still on and use it as an aid. Great for class interaction
