Reflection #5 : 7 Methods for Effective Powerpoint Slides

Hi guys! In our previous class, we reviewed a few submissions of slideshow presentations of a few of our classmates' lesson plans. Madam Ng gave us some constructive criticism and methods about how to make them as effective as possible for teaching and learning. Here is the list :

1. Understand that students are graphic literate and use colours that would appeal to them. Be careful to make sure that the colours are not an eye sore or too flashy. It is best to keep the slides clean and simple. Appropriate contrast should be used also (eg : if background is dark, choose light colours for the text and vice versa)

Keep it simple guys!

2. Slideshow presentations should be interactive. Do not ever make the mistake of merely reading word by word from the slides. Include activites within the slides to engage the students during the class to check their understanding and to prevent them from feeling too bored.

3. Choose proper templates. There is a variety of pre-designer, colour coordinated presentation templatest offered on Microsoft. Adjust the font and size if necessary to something appropriate like Century Gothic (size 20-25). The theme should be relevant with the theme of your slideshow. Do not over edit and put in too much custom animation as it may become annoying especially when repetitive.

4.  Do not try to cram too much information into one slide. Contrary to popular belief, the use of more slides is actually less time consuming. It will also be much easier for students to digest information when they are divided separately.

Won't want this to happen to our students, do we ? :p

5. Use creative strategies such as displaying pictures in slide show with the title and ask students what they think of it before showing them the definition straight away. This will provoke their curiousity and interest towards the lesson as well as help them understand better.

6. Give modern and local examples especially when explaining dry theory subjects. Students will be able to relate better when they are familiar with these kind of examples.

Characters from popular movies are good examples :)

7. For pictures, cartoon clip art should be avoided and real life ones should be used instead. This will show professionalism. Also, if only a certain part of the picture is relevant to the presentation, crop out the unnecessary part of that picture to highlight what you want the students to focus on.

Hope you found these tips useful ! :)