OBSERVATION AND PRESENTATION OF PHENOMENA

IN GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION

Iwona Piotrowska Department of Geography Teaching

and Ecological Education

Adam Mickiewicz University

Poznań

Presentation

Presentation in the teaching and communication process is a planned and systematic method of acting upon a defined group of students, during which it is crucial to inform, convince and motivate the listeners (Łasiński, 2000).

Presentation

The way in which the teacher passes on information, tries to make the student interested in the geographical environment and moulds his imagination, has a decisive effect not only on his learning progress, but also on his perception of the subject itself (Piotrowska, 2003).

Art of presentation

It seems justified to approach the teacher's demonstration, discussion or explanation of geographical processes and objects as another art - that of presentation.

Preparation for presentation

Analysis of its aim

Methods

Recipients

Thus, presentation is a task-oriented rather thous a spontaneous and unprepared activity (Łasiński, 2000).

Factors influencing

good reception of presentation

Clear structure of the presentation

Contents as well as expression of the topic

Method of presenting the contents using visuals

Body language, i.e. author’s image, body posture and eye contact

Elements of presentation - Introduction

First impression determines the success of whole undertakingNon-verbal communication occurs throughout the entire presentationEye contact with listeners as well as awareness of the facial expression and gesturesIntroduction should be a well thought-out presentationA plan or scenario is essential

Elements of presentation - Development

Excellent knowledge of the subject Logical sequence and clarity of the messageVisuals that make the subject easier Controlling symptoms of nervousness Maintaining contact with listeners Keeping track of time

Elements of presentation - Ending

This part aims at formulating the main theme of the entire presentation and summarising its contents in demonstrated theses as well as finishing it off with adequate delivery.

Efficacy and attractiveness

of the message depend on:

Knowledge

Contents

Skills

Strategy

Methods of presentation

Presentation methods

Reading

Delivering the text from memory

Demonstration

The message is easier to understand if use is made of:

Media: Pictures

Slides

Transparency posters

Models

Films

Computer and multimedia programs

Internet resources

Demonstration and observation of phenomena

Land use

Demonstration and observation of phenomena

GIS and

land use

Demonstration and observation of phenomena

Land use

change

Demonstration and observation of phenomena

Tendency of

phenomena

Direct and indirect observation

Formation of geographical notion and images

The principle of visualization in geography education

An image acts better that words since it is: (Jay, 2000)

Faster

Time- saving

More efficient

Easier to memorize

Communication

When talking to each other, people send

verbal and non-verbal messages.

Communication (Metartin 1997, za Łasiński 2000)

50% Body language

30% Method of lecturing20% Speech

Speech

is of a linguistic variety (the language may be

literary, colloquial or scientific).

very important are:

elements including associations choice of words correct syntax

Method of lecturing

intonation force and speed of speech rhythm pauses between sentences pitch and tone of voice articulation dialects

Body language

facial expression gestures body posture eye contact involuntary physiological reactions physical appearance personal distance

Presentation and body language

Presentation and body language

Presentation, body language and gesticulation

From the teacher’s perspective, the ability to read and interpret non-verbal messages coming from students, sometimes termed intuition or perception, seems to be exceptionally important (Wołowik, 1998).

Ignoring signals coming from students during a lesson may result in a situation in which the planned method of presentation is not modified and thus the educational effect is impaired.

DistanceDistance is defined as a personal distance

from other people.

called ‘territory and the speaker’s safety zone’ (Pease, 2004)

called also ‘speaker’s own space’ (Hall after Pease, 2004)

Types of spacing zones

private (15-46 cm)

personal (46-120 cm)

social (120-360 cm)

public (more than 360 cm)

Stress and presentation

„ The circle of fear” (Pijarowska, Seweryńska, 2002)

1. Thoughts

2. Emotion

3. Physiological reactions

4. Presentation

Barriers to effective communication (Łasiński 2000, modified)

Semantic Psychological Physical

and external

•Lack of professional preparation

•Distorted information

•Multitude of information

•Incomprehensible subject matter

•Incomprehensible terminology or language

•Speaker’s speech defect

•Negative attitude

•Shyness

•Lack of interest in the subject

•Excessive emotional involvement

•Disregard for listeners

•Dogmatic thinking

•Lack of concentration

•Monotonous speech

•Inability to focus on listening

•Tiredness

•Noise

•Whispering

•Temperature

•Venue

•Time of day

•Power cut or computer break-down

• Too many listeners

•Inadequate room arrangement

•Time pressure

How to prepare a presentation

perfect preparation of both its subject matter and of its methodological aspects

‘dress rehearsal’

visualization of success

A good presentation is (Łasiński, 2000)

prepared with competence easy to understand

visual interesting

‘vivid’

prepared with competence easy to understand

visual interesting

‘vivid’

In schools in the 21st century, in the time of unprecedented development of information technologies, GIS and the Internet, enormous importance is given to presentation skills of geography teachers regardless of the elected methods and techniques of geography instruction.

Thank you for your attention