How To Utilize Power Point Presentations Without Leaning On Them
Make sure if you are using Power Point that you don't only repeat what is on the screen. Know the lecture well enough that you are only using the presentation as an aid.
Hi Darren:
Put another way, instead of reading the slide material, "expound" on the key points or primary message from each slide. better yet, ask the students what they think the material is saying.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jody:
Good strategy. I do much of the same. The more variety we can add to PPT the more retention of needed information will likely occur.
Regards, Barry
The PowerPoint slides need to pin-point the key topics of discussion, and the instructor needs to hit on a couple of these key topics by discussing stories and details that bring the relevancy of the subject to light. It needs to tie the subject matter to every day life and/or to what the student will be doing in his/her career when they complete their education.
Hi Mark:
Right. The PPT is a tool to facilitate discussion, thinking, or pondering aspects of the lesson. Better PPT's keep it very simple with basic information for the instructor amplify.
Regards, Barry
Hi Paul:
Right. The PPT is only a tool that allows us to teach the material - not from the slide (we assume students can read). But by using the information to build on points and use ancillary resources to amplify the essential and critical information. Makiing it inyeresting always contributes a lot as well.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michael:
Good point to be emphasized.
It's interesting that although more textbook publishers are providing PPT's with their texts, I find them most outlines of the chapter, more than specific topic driven information. Sort of like using another's PPT with no editing - usually a diaster.
Regards, Barry
Another point about powerpoints is to check them before you use them. I've made this a practice just because I want to be certain there hasn't been any fundamental changes in my industry that should be addressed. We also tend to share powerpoints and other instructors may make changes and you could end up using it with changes you don't agree with, need, or want.
I'd agree with that, it's also useful to add anecdotes or events that relate to the text in the ppt.
Hi Stephanie:
Right on! PPT is a tool only. The emphsis has to be on the information, not the media that is providing it.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michael:
PPT is a double edged sword. The slides should contain useful information, but relying on the slides as the instructional media is not so good. Our discussion that accompany the slides is very important, and PPT slides can be amplified with white-board terms, diagrams, etc. And discussion. And lesson applications.
PPT is a tool. But it's not the the tool that's impotatnt, but what that tool can do. We are what makes the information come alive. PPT is like a hammer. We are like a carpenter. Both are needed to complete the job!
Regards, Barry
Haven't we all sat in on a training session only to have the leader (instructor) read the power points to us? Depending on the class, I'll occasionally toss in a slide that's completely off the wall. The students appreciate it and it can be a fun diversion for them.
I believe too many instructors use Power Point as a crutch, especially if they do not have a full grasp of the subject content. Power Point is a great tool if used as an additional resource, not the only teaching tool.
Being able to use the PP as a guide which the instructor can elaborate on rather than a blow by blow pitch of the material, is the key!
Mark
