Mathematics Professional Series Alternative Assessment — Pre-Algebra   Presentations Using Presentations The use of student presentations can be a valuable tool in assessing a student's performance on the process goals of the Standards. Student presentations can involve oral presentations to the class or to small groups. They can either be rather simple, such as explaining the solution to a problem, or somewhat more involved, such as an oral report to the class. Student presentations can also involve the use of manipulatives, pictures, graphs, or transparencies to illustrate concepts and procedures or the construction of bulletin board displays for the classroom. Why Are Presentations Important? Verbal presentations are extremely important alternative assessment methods because they permit the teacher to hear what students are thinking and how they express themselves. They also serve as a vehicle for students to present and discuss their ideas with classmates. A dynamic mathematics classroom involves the participation of all students working together in an active mode: solving problems, discussing solutions, challenging assertions, and, in general, talking to one another. Presentations increase and enhance the verbal interactions within the classroom. And in so doing, they not only make the mathematics classroom a more lively and interesting place to be, but they also make it a more fruitful teaching and learning environment. How Can Presentations Be Used in the Classroom? When students are asked to give a formal report or a presentation on a special topic, a mutual agreement should be reached between the teacher and student regarding the topic and class time allotted for the report. Topics should be chosen that support both content goals and process goals of mathematics instruction. Some students may need guidance in selecting a topic and planning the report, but they should be given as much freedom and responsibility as is practical. This approach will increase a student's interest, pride, and motivation in researching the topic and presenting it. Sample Presentation Topics The following list is a source of ideas for topics appropriate for pre-algebra students. Solution to a nonroutine problem Historical topic, person, or content Extension of textbook topic Experimental topic Real-life application Calculator or computer topic Mathematical connection Famous living mathematician Mathematical notation Evaluating Presentations It is important for growth in communication skills that students receive feedback on the quality of their presentations. A general rubric for oral presentations is provided below. This rubric should be useful to students in preparing presentations as well as to teachers in providing feedback to students. Oral Presentation Rubric Level Description 3 Superior Shows thorough understanding of concepts presented Uses exemplary presentation strategies Information presented is correct and substantiated Diagrams/tables/charts/graphs are accurate and appropriate 2 Satisfactory Shows understanding of concepts presented Uses appropriate and effective presentation strategies Information presented is mostly correct and substantiated Diagrams/tables/charts/ graphs are mostly accurate and appropriate 1 Nearly Satisfactory Shows understanding of most concepts presented Most presentation strategies used are appropriate and effective Information presented is mostly correct but not substantiated Diagrams/tables/charts/graphs are mostly accurate but may be inappropriate 0 Unsatisfactory Shows little or no understanding of the concepts presented Often used inappropriate presentation strategies Diagrams/tables/charts/graphs are mostly inaccurate and inappropriate More Information For more information on performance assessment and other types of alternative assessment, see "Alternative Assessment in the Mathematics Classroom," one of the booklets in the Glencoe Mathematics Professional Series.