I am teaching a new course for the first time, and the plan includes short student presentations. I asked the students what they think of the course in advance, and one of them commented that s/he is afraid of the presentation part and would prefer to skip it. I do not think that I can allow one student to skip a task that the others need to do, but this problem is probably quite common among students. what do you suggest that I should do? Do you know of any research on this issue?
At first I ask the student: "What is the problem?"
Next, I would explain her or him, that they have to do presentations when they have finished their studies and their exam, and if they are in a position, important things may depend on their presentation. Thus, it is better to have a training together with other students.
Then, I would suggest, to prepare the structure of the presentation together with them, before they go into details.
I suggest that you probe deeper into the student's lack of confidence in presentations and pinpoint exactly what is causing the anxiety. Consequently, motivate the student to watch various video clips on communication and presentation skills. I have encountered such students and I usually inspire them to overcome their anxiety. Students' phobia for presentations could perhaps be due to their poor language skills or other issues related to their personality. By counseling the student, half the battle is won.
Best regards
At first I ask the student: "What is the problem?"
Next, I would explain her or him, that they have to do presentations when they have finished their studies and their exam, and if they are in a position, important things may depend on their presentation. Thus, it is better to have a training together with other students.
Then, I would suggest, to prepare the structure of the presentation together with them, before they go into details.
Thank you! I have a small problem, because this comment was anonymous. I am quite sure I know who the student was, but I think I have to keep it a secret. It is a fairly extrovert student, but for some reason, s/he tends to worry too much about how s/he achieves in the class. I could tell them that they can discuss these problems personally with me.
It is a course on how people talk about emotions, so I think we could also tackle this problem in a kind and friendly way with the whole class, without considering which of them are afraid of presenting :)
I just realized that I heard an excellent presentation on language teaching this week by Jean-Marc Dewaele. He has studied learner anxieties, which could be relevant to this.
I encourage him to make sure of himself by asking simple and direct questions during his trial presentation.
Encourage them,
Listen to them carefully,
Focus on their strength points,
Let them choose their team members and topic.
Regards.
In our times simple facts being teached are not enough. The students need more skills to exist in our competitive world. Skills in communication like your presentation are basic. Your students should know that.
There are different levels of presentations with different inhibition thresholds, so it is possible to begin on a lower level. So you can lead your students with anxieties cautious in this new, but important field, especially if you know their concrete fears (e.g. graphic presentation, preparing a presentation, technical problems, reading, standing in front of an auditory, facial expression and gesture, free speach ...)
This situation exists in abundance
I encourage students and my mission I try to sow trust in them
First of all, you have to participate them in sharing class and then allow them to choose the topic according to what they need to present, just to practise them and to break the fearing barrier.
In addition to the excellent responses, let the student work on the presentation with a partner or small group. Also, introduce all students to how to get confidence to speak in front of classroom.
To developed student to presentation ppt. Should be give him and learn to be graved to explain your idea without warry
Thank you all for your suggestions! It is nice that the discussion has continued.
There is almost nothing to say. There are much to do. 1- To train dominate the topics to be presented. 2- To begin with small units with only one person at audience and if possible a friend. 3- Not pemtit punishment, 4- Gradually augment the andience and the topic, 4- etc... The Behavior Analyst have a broad number of technics to improve the performance. I recommend to study The Practice of Behavior Therapy Joseph Wolpe) and others disponibles in specific literature.
Thank you Prof. Simonassi for your answer! Maybe I could tell you all at this point that the student who inspired this question has in fact given a presentation and passed the course. We talked about fear of presentation in the course, and I allowed that student to first listen to the other students' presentations. This time it seemed to help.
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