English for Architecture, USB

Mind map on Rhythm
by
Maria Luisa Camacho

Tips for Class Simulation

Preparation:

-Read carefully the texts assigned for your topic. Look up in the dictionary the words you do not know. Try to understand the topic as a whole.

-Consider your audience and the topic of your class: Remember that your audience consists of a group of classmates. Think of their level of according to what you have studied in other subjects and if possible, convey to them information that they have not heard before, or may not be aware of. It is certainly advisable to go beyond the readings in your guide.

-Prepare your material: Research on the topic as much as possible. Since all the students in your group will teach, you must prepare the class as a group (if you are team-teaching with others). Set up a date to get together and distribute the material evenly so no single students will be in charge of 80% of the class. Become an expert on the topic, and be ready to substitute for any of the participants who might not show up that day (each individual should be responsible and try not to miss the presentation).

-Organize your material: Organization is a key word to success. Think ahead. Thik of questions such as:

What are the main point/ideas in this class/topic?
What is the issue I want to bring across?
What is the image of this topic that I want to project?

-Some ideas for your class:

Start with an attention getter (questions, a game, etc.)
Give a brief summary of your main topics
Develop each topic
End up your class with a clear conclusion of what you have said
Summarize your main points and add your personal comments.
Ask and answer questions or comments from the audience

-Resources:

Use visual aids: Visuals are a helpful addition to illustrate and enliven your presentation (charts, brain maps, photos, drawings, slides, posters, Power Point presentations). The use of visual will surely increase audience attention and understanding. You can also bring magazines or newspapers.
Handouts: A worksheet MUST be designed so that the audience can keep track of what you are saying during the class. This instrument will help you prompt questions and answers from your classmates, and therefore, make your class more motivating. Give your teacher a copy of the handout with the correct answers before the class.
Games: Entertaining activities are a good way to make your audience interested and for you to feel more relaxed. For example, puzzles, search-a-word, crosswords, jumbled words/sentences, bingos, memory games, hagman, etc.

During Presentation:

-Be positive: Try to maintain at least an appearance of confidence in your own ability. A motivating introductory activity is always a "plus" to start your class. For example, asking questions to involve the audience in your topic and see what they know about it.

-Avoid reading: Remember it is a class and you are the teacher. The idea is not that of giving a Reading presentation. Your class plan, outline or notes might help you at a certain point, but do not become dependent on your notes.

-Keep eye contact: Keep as much eye contact with your audience as possible. Judge the audience reaction to your presentation and act accordingly. If you are a shy person, a good trick might be to look slightly above the eye level of members of the audience. In most cases they will not notice the difference ;-)

-Involve your audience: Since you know many people in the class, you may want to involve your friends on a more personal level such as recalling information from other courses, or from a shared experienced.

-Use English! Never forget that this class must be taught in English. Be aware of pronunciation, intonation, fluency, use of grammar and accurate choice of vocabulary. Remember you can use Sitepal, the speech-to-text bot, to listen to what you would like to say.

I am here to help, contact me for any question or doubt before the day of your presentation (e-mail, Moodle, f2f, Yahoo Messenger, are some of the ways to get in touch with me).

Creativity and enthusiasm are always welcome!!!