Kenneth F. Raffa
Dept. Entomology, UW-Madison
Forest Insect Ecology
Beers-Bascom Professor of Conservation
Program Overview
Methods in Oral Scientific Presentations
Entomology 601: Spring, 2010
Kenneth Raffa;
Daniel Mahr
Purpose:
This
course is intended to help students develop expertise in the preparation
and presentation of scientific talks. The course uses practice
sessions as the basis upon which to gain experience and benefit from
constructive criticism.
Format:
Each
student will deliver two talks on the same subject. After the
first presentation, instructors and students will make suggestions on
how the organization, visual aids, and presentation can be improved.
Class participation is critical, because you learn by teaching, and
a key element of developing a talk is knowing how and where to solicit
constructive criticism.
The talks will simulate submitted
papers (10 min) at scientific meetings. You may either present
some of your own research, or present an oral version of a published
article as if it were your own.
It is the responsibility of
the student presenters to make sure all of the equipment is connected,
loaded, and powered prior to the beginning of class. The first
speaker will be introduced and the 10 minute time will start promptly
at the beginning of each class. It is the responsibility of the student
presenters to return this equipment.
Deadlines:
*** Email to K. Raffa,
no later than January 26, your first and second choices for Round 1
dates (during the period Feb 27 - March 10) on which you would like
to give your first talk. These will be assigned on a first-come
first-served basis.
*** At least 1 day before
your presentation, email an outline of your talk to both of us.
This should include your name, date, title, and a general outline.
The file name should include your name. Do this before both talks.
If you will be presenting work from a published article, leave a copy
in each of our mailboxes at least 1 day before your presentation
Contacting us:
You
are welcome to visit with us for help in preparing your talks. Schedule
appointments by email.
Grading:
Final grades will be determined based on performance in the following
areas:
Talk #1 -30%; Talk #2 - 55%; Participation - 15%