ORAL PRESENTATIONS IN GENERAL CHEMISTRY

General Grading Criteria

What You Do: Same as for a C but also developing a concept with good sequencing and good illustrations without reading from notecards or other notes. Grade: B

What You Do: Same as for a B and provide a coherent presentation with a clear structure and appropriate illustrations and activities that are focused on the concepts presented. Grade: A

Consider the following questions as you prepare your presentation:

• Does the presentation have a thesis statement? Is there a clear focus? Is there a main point?
• Is the presentation organized? Does the main point have major divisions that combine to make the main point clear? Is each major division properly elucidated? Do you start from where the students are and take them to a new place? Is the presentation an appropriate length?
• Do you clearly have an internal understanding of the material? Must you rely on notes or read from a prepared text? Are you a conduit for information or a font of knowledge? (Is it just memorized or is it really understood?) Are you able to explain concepts clearly? Can you answer questions in a way that indicates a sound grasp of the main concepts?
• Do you engage the members of the class intellectually? Do the students in the class want to know more? Are the class members given an opportunity to go beyond where they are individually? Is the presentation at the correct level of difficulty for the class and for the time allowed?
• Are there demonstrations or activities that have previously been worked out? Do the demonstrations and activities clarify the main point (are they relevant)?
• Does the concept outline have the correct form? Does it correctly reflect the concepts needed to understand the main idea?
• Is the "exam question" appropriate for the material that is presented?