Case Study: Communication Lesson

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A Study on Presentation

Notice: You can copy and modify this template. This is based on an activity I did for my students in Science classes.

Objective

Students will examine a case study and learn how to communicate and present to a larger audience. The assignment will test their ability to identify why the presentation is effective, which elements contributed to its effectiveness, and what made the topic particularly effective.

Expected Duration: 50 minutes - 1 hour

  • ~5 minutes for Teacher prep and administrative tasks beforehand
  • 15 minutes for video
  • 15 minutes to complete questions
  • 15 minutes for classroom discussion over answers and presentation
  • Any remaining free time is dedicated to further discussion

Resource(s)

Steve Jobs Introduced iPhone in 2007 (Posted on YouTube by John Schroter): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MnrJzXM7a6o

Accommodations

  • For hearing impairments, turn on closed captions (CC) in the video.
    • If there is an interpreter present with the student(s), permit the interpreter to assist with the questions and follow along with the classwide discussion.
  • For sight impairments, base grading on their level of active participation and how well they answer questions you ask. Avoid asking them questions dealing with heavy visual elements.
  • For physical impairments, have seating available for these students if not already available.
  • For writing impairments, you may permit them an electronic copy of the assignment to type their answers on. They’re still required to participate in discussion, however.

Standards

  • [Teacher defined; may vary depending on grade level, subject, etc]

Questions

Student Notice: For all questions, assume answers need to be in complete sentences unless stated otherwise.

  • What elements were integral to Steve Jobs’ presentation? List six different elements you spotted in the video—no complete sentences needed.

  • What did you notice about the way he spoke and the types of words and sentences he used?

  • On his presentation slides, what was the maximum number of words seen on any slide?

  • How were visuals used to accompany spoken and written words?

  • At what points were the audience the most excited? Why were they excited?

  • What features of the iPhone were you the most interested in during his presentation? Why were you interested in those?

  • Extra Credit: What feature received a low amount of applause, but is still an essential feature of the iPhone? Why?

PAUSE

When done, wait for the teacher to signal the start of classroom discussions. If done early, review and refine your answers above.

Discussion

Steps to follow:

  • The teacher provides 5 minutes for students to discuss the answers amongst themselves.
  • After 5 minutes, the teacher provides information about the presentation itself, gradually answering some, if not all, of the questions.
    • This process takes 10 minutes, depending on the number of questions.
  • If done early, the teacher may do one of these options:
    • “Free time” for students until class dismissal
    • Ask “improv” questions about the presentation to the class
    • Allow early dismissal (if permitted by principal/school policy)
    • Ask the students how they would make their presentation on a topic of their choice, using the concepts and themes shown in the video.

–End of Template–

Bibliography

  1. Schroter, J. (2011, October 8). Steve Jobs introduces iPhone in 2007 [Video]. YouTube. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MnrJzXM7a6o

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