Presentation Skills: Interactive Communications in the Classroom

Tip Sheet No. 3

Larry Winn, Communications

1. A self-dlscovered truth Is more likely to stick with the student. Encourage student involvement by using student experiences.
2. The language you use can encourage interaction and participation in the class. Use "we," "us," and "our" not "class" or "you."
3. Communication that proceeds only in one direction invariably leads to failure to communicate. Effective communication is two-way.
4. Classroom interaction exists within a context of interaction outside the classroom. Relationships outside of class enhance the class.
5. Nonverbal signals are important. Eye contact is important when teaching. Also, people often frown when listening and a student may misinterpret the frown as disapprovaUdisinterest. Try smiling or telling them you are listening.
6. A lecture benefits from intense moments and relaxed moments.
7. Attention span is at best 20 minutes. After 20 minutes of lecture do something different (e.g., break into groups, have them develop questions to address to the class).
8.For review, have students prepare quizzes and answer them. (The quiz can provide potential test questions.)
9. Give each student an article to read and have them be prepared to share the article when that topic cornes up as a natural part of discussion, rather than a forrnal presentation.
10. When you prepare your lecture, prepare questions for the class.
Tips generated by attendees.
(For more information about this workshop, contact any of the following individuals who attended or the CTL staff: Rose Davis, Freda Mays, Elaine Moore,Harry Vogel, Nancy Loposer, Mary Wolinski, Linda Todd, Teresa Tarter, Patrick Branstrator, Brian Dablow, Julie Davis, Kelly Goedert,Troy Howard, Jae Kim, & Holly J. Payne)