02 June 2022

Learning activity

Press conference

A press conference is held. This could be done at the end of group project as a presentation of their findings. (Groups of) students present their paper, findings or opinion on a given subject. Another group is assigned as journalists, listining critically and preparing sharp questions. After the press conference is finished, the journalists ask their questions. Through this, students need to critically think about what they got told and the presenter must have substantial knowledge of its paper. 

On-campus

The activity takes more than 60 minutes and could be done with a large group (> 60). It could be used as a blended learning activity, when students write the paper and prepare the press conference at home and present in class. 

Manual

Supplies needed

  • Literature to study.

Set-up classroom

A simple classroom set-up, like a U-shape is sufficient. A lectern upfront, could help create the feeling of a press conference. 

 

Step 1. (Preparation)

Appoint a specific group of students as journalists. The other students write a short press release on (the results of) their project or paper and send it to the journalists. 

Step 2. (Preparation)

Create a schedule when students must keep their press conference. 

Step 3. (Preparation)

Journalists start collectively discussing the press release before class. They prepare critical questions and take them to class. 

Step 4. (During class)

Students present their findings to the class or to smaller groups. Depending on the size of the group you could make decisions in this. 

Step 5. (During class)

Then the journalists can ask their (prepared) questions that will be answered by the students. 

Step 6. (Evaluation)

Provide keynotes to take home, when all students have presented. 

Online

The student makes a press release on the paper/project that was worked on. This could be done at home or during class. During class the student gets a short amount of time to present their findings to the class or in smaller groups.  

 

The activity takes about 30 to 60 minutes and could be done with maximum of 60 students. It could be used as a blended learning activity. 

Manual

Supplies needed

  • Literature to study.
  • Microsoft Teams

Set-up classroom

Create a Teams in Microsoft Teams and create at least one channel forgeneral meeting. 

Optionally: Using a Virtual Classroom could be suggested, due to its elaborate technical options.

Step 1. (preparation)

Select literature for students to study and use for their elevator pitch. Also, a case-study could be used for students to provide a possible solution to a problem. 

Step 2. (preparation/during class)

Provide students with the necessary body of knowledge in class or upfront.  

Step 3. (During class)

 Instruct students about the learning activity. Let them study the information. After that they must prepare their pitch.  

Step 4. (During class)

 Instruct students about the learning activity. Let them study the information. After that they must prepare their pitch.  

Step 5. (During class)

Students present their findings to the class or to smaller groups. Depending on the size of the group you could make decisions in this. 

Step 6. (Evaluation)

Let students ask questions and try to have a small discussion. Provide keynotes to take home, when all students have presented. 

Hybrid

The student will be given a subject, article or theme and start working with it on their own. This could be done at home or during class. During the elevator pitch, the student gets a short amount of time to present their findings to the class or in smaller groups. Key questions that could be answered are ‘for who is this relevant?’, ‘what can be done with this?’, ‘what is new about this?’ and ‘why is this more interesting than other ones?’. 

 

The activity takes about 30 to 60 minutes and could be done with maximum of 60 students. It could be used as a blended learning activity. 

Manual

Supplies needed

  • Literature to study.
  • Microsoft Teams

Set-up classroom

Using a hybrid classroom could be suggested. Create a Teams in Microsoft Teams and create at least one channel for the general meeting for the students attending online. A simple classroom, such as a U-shape or rows is sufficiënt for students attending on-campus. A lectern upfront, could help create the feeling of a press conference. 

Step 1. (preparation)

Select literature for students to study and use for their elevator pitch. Also, a case-study could be used for students to provide a possible solution to a problem. 

Step 2. (preparation/during class)

Provide students with the necessary body of knowledge in class or upfront.  

Step 3. (During class)  

Instruct students about the learning activity. Let them study the information. After that they must prepare their pitch.  

Step 4. (During class)

Students present their findings to the class. Students on-campus should be visible by using the camera. Online students are visible on the screen projected at. 

Step 5. (Evaluation)

Let students ask questions and try to have a small discussion. Provide keynotes to take home, when all students have presented. 

You are free to share and adapt, if you give appropriate credit and use it non-commercially. More on Creative Commons

 

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