Lightning talk
Students need to give a short presentation, with a limited number of slides and a fixed amount of time for each slide. It is most suitable as a homework assignment.
- Individual
- Pairs
- Small groups (3-10)
- 10-30 minutes
- 30-60 minutes
- Activating prior knowledge
- Assessment
- Discussion
- Practicing academic skills
- Understand
- Apply
When to use it?
- When you want students to prepare a certain topic.
- When the content can be presented using visual media, however, it is not limited to that.
- When the topics can be presented in a short period of time.
Activity instructions
Preparation
- Figure out the theme(s) that can be presented in a short time. The theme should support visual storytelling.
- Decide if it will be an individual or a small group assignment.
- Decide how to deal with the time: (1) Set a timer for each slide in the PowerPoint settings or (2) keep track of the time by yourself (or ask students to do that).
Activity steps
- Explain the task
Explain the task to the students and emphasise the expectations and format of the presentation: How many slides should there be and how much time is given for each slide? The slides should be very simplistic (one image or a couple of words). You can assign the task to individuals or small groups. - Collect the slides
Organise a class of presentations. Before class, collect everyone's slides. - Present
Let the students present. - Discuss
A discussion after the presentation might be valuable to let students ask questions and explain what was not understood.
Tips for implementation & variation
- Online teaching: If needed, the presentation groups can prepare in breakout rooms. The presentations can take place in the main room of the video lecture tool.
- It can also be used by yourself when you want to introduce a new concept or topic.
- Adjust the requirements for the number of slides and time for each of them according to the broadness of the topic.
Supporting tools