CHAPTER 31
Science and Mathematics Courses
CHAPTER CONTENT OUTLINE
I. Science and mathematics courses
A. The primary purpose of math and science presentations is to inform listeners of research
results.
II. Preparing effective presentations in science and mathematics
A. Use observation, proofs, and experiments as support for your points.
B. Be selective in focusing on details; highlight critical aspects of the experiment or study,
but don’t overwhelm listeners.
C. Use analogies to build on prior knowledge and demonstrate underlying causes.
D. Use aids to illustrate important concepts.
III. Process analysis presentation.
A. A process analysis presentation explains how an experimental or a mathematical process
works and under what conditions it can be used.
2. They offer a detailed description of the process (at times including a demonstration).
3. They discuss the benefits and shortcomings of the process.
IV. Field study presentation
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KEY TERMS
research presentation oral presentation describing original research undertaken by the speaker,
either alone or as part of a team; frequently delivered in the fields of science and social science.
Also known as a scientific talk or oral scientific presentation.
process analysis presentation presentation that describes how an experimental or a mathematical
process works and under what conditions it can be used
CHAPTER STUDY GUIDE
I. SUMMARY QUESTION
What are some typical oral presentations used in science and mathematics courses?
There are four types of oral presentations. In an original research presentation, the speaker
II. DISCUSSION QUESTION
1. Discuss some of the characteristics of effective presentations in science and mathematics
courses.
Characteristics of effective presentations in science and mathematics include using
CONTENT PRESENTATION IDEAS
I. STUDENT ACTIVITY
1. Students often have personal experience giving presentations in other college courses. Conduct
a panel discussion to explore experienced students’ thoughts on their own presentations.
Organize a panel of students who have a variety of experiences from their own classes.
II. GROUP ACTIVITY
1. What kind of presentation topics are likely to be assigned in science and mathematics courses?
Chapter 31, p. 596
III. ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Professor Interview
Purpose: To learn what professors in other college courses expect from presentations in their
classes.
Instructions: Each student should visit a professor in his or her major department to conduct a
brief interview. Students should ask about the typical presentation in the professor’s class and
So You Do the Lecture This Week
Purpose: To provide students with an opportunity to create their own college lectures.
Instructions: Each student should prepare a lecture for a course in his or her major. Use the
guidelines in the text to create a lecture that contains an introduction to the topic, a statement of the