A student of mine inquired why I require a presentation for my capstone class. My answer was twofold.
- The importance of the ability to communicate to an audience
- To importance of accurately assessing student achievement
First, every professional needs to be able to express themselves to a professional audience. They need to be able to sell a product, a design idea, bid a proposal, or sell the neighborhood historic commission on a house design you want to build (I actually had to do this). Being able to “pitch” your idea or defend your approach means having to organize your thoughts, anticipate questions (and have reasonable answers), present your ideas concisely and clearly, and support your arguments with examples and varied media.
Second, giving a presentation is way of assessing student learning. Several days ago, the results of a national survey were release that highlighted the increase in student cheating 1. I teach online. It is well understood by online instructional designers and online instructors, that what a student does in the privacy of their home cannot be controlled. We cannot guarantee that the quiz the student takes was taken by them. We cannot guarantee that the project they turn in was completed by them. That is why my program requires students to take their midterm and final exams in a proctored setting. That is also why I require my advanced standing students to give presentations. You cannot fake a presentation. The student either knows their subject or they don’t.
As an instructor in the industry of higher education, the responsibility falls on me to function as a gatekeeper – ensuring that students exiting my program are ready to add value to an employer. I have a number of stakeholders: the student, the local industry, the administration, the accreditation board, the state higher education commission. I make sure my students understand this. I make sure they know I’m serious about the responsibility I have accepted. I want them to believe that I will guide them to success. I want them to trust that I will not aid their efforts to find jobs unless I think they are ready. My serious students are glad that I take my job seriously. My serious students are ready when they walk out the door.
References
- Crary, David (2008). Students lie, cheat, steal, but say they’re good. The Associated Press. link to article