Letter to Students
Oral Reports - Nov. 2006

Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.     Maya Angelou

The next test you have will include content from student oral reports.  To assist you in this last test, I am asking that you submit to me before the end of this class period a question or two about your report that would be appropriate for a final test.  I will word-process all of these questions on a sheet or two and give this  to you next week.  It will also be posted on the web under “study guide.”    This will serve as  a study guide for the final.  While students are giving oral reports, you should be jotting down the answers.    

Once students have given their reports, they will state the test question.  If they sufficiently covered the test question, hands should go up, and the question will be properly answered.

 For your convenience, I’ve attached a copy of the grading rubric.

 Some of you are covering delicate topics.  I commend you for this.  The class will provide you with proper respect and attention.  

Some individuals are doing PowerPoints.  If you are showing a PowerPoint, please email your presentation to me by midnight on Tuesday.   I will place your presentations on my flash drive & all presentations will be ready to go.  This will save us some time because it takes a while to load and unload software onto a computer.  Because we have so much to do in class, it is important that we use our time efficiently. 

Later this afternoon, we will do group work.  I will give you time to discuss your oral report and proposed test question(s) with the students in your small group. It is a grave responsibility to come up with appropriate test questions for your classmates. Do not take this responsibility lightly.    

The quality of your reports and your questions contribute greatly to the quality of the class.  Please take these seriously.   

There will be a speech contest in the spring. If I am impressed with your presentation, with your permission, I would love to nominate you as a contestant. 

I am looking forward to your presentations.  I trust presentation weeks will be a great experience for you! 

Please email you should you have questions that come up during the week.