Brief: Theory Presentations Related to essay in Unit 4

BA (Hons) Textile Design – Unit 2 - Theory Presentations Related to essay in Unit 4
Theory co-ordinator : Caryn Simonson


Object/Image Analysis PRESENTATIONS

You are required to do a:
5 minute presentation with illustrations, based on your ideas for your essay.
After the presentation there will be 5 minutes peer and tutor feedback so you should prepare a presentation that lasts 5 minutes only to allow time for feedback.

You present individually but every student is expected to contribute to giving peer feedback to fellow students during the session. You must include visual images. Aim to use between 2-3 images maximum. Make approx. 3 copies of any hand-outs to pass round the audience to show visual images – you could also use a sheet with your key points listed.

Aims of the presentation:
To receive feedback on your ideas towards your essay so that you can progress further – like a group tutorial
To learn from your peers, learning from their approach to their analysis and developing your own skills in critical thinking through contributing to discussion. There may also be cross-overs in their topic and yours - participation also supports your peers.

To express ideas clearly and communicate an argument convincingly
To develop presentation skills
To develop your ability to be critical and self-reflective.
To enable you to see the diversity of subjects within the student group and how yours fits into this.

Tips for Presentations!

What?
Explain what your object/image/design concept for analysis is
Why?
Give clear reasons for why you have chosen a particular area of study. Give academic reasons why - avoid statements such as “because I love it” - explain why this area of study is important to your development, your practice and professional development as a designer.

Concepts/ideas?
What is the key purpose of your investigation? What are the key concepts and debates you are discussing? What has come out of brainstorming and using the image analysis processes introduced in the lecture programme? What key concepts relate to your object that you are investigating?
Methods of Research - How have you found information on your subject matter? What strategies and research resources are you using? What key texts/theorists are significant to your debate and how are they informing your thinking? You will get help for this from your tutor for the essay but try to research independently for the presentation.
Case studies/examples - What designers, artists, objects, films, books, exhibitions or places etc., are you interested in and how are these supporting the development your argument/discussion?
In your presentation, you may use one or two key quotes to support your research findings and you should refer to particular authors’ views. Explain what your research findings are so far. EVALUATE what they are saying – this is part of ANALSYIS of your research.

Tips for preparation :

Avoid too much material – focus on two or three main points you want to get across – do not go over time. What are the key points you want to get across?
Avoid writing down word for word what you will say – you may forget to make eye contact with your audience. Instead, try to make brief notes on cards, or bullet point notes.
It is a good idea to get together with one of your peers and do a run-through to practice the timing and get some initial feedback on your communication skills.
Try to create interest and encourage debate - is the topic controversial? have you made discoveries ? Is there an intriguing line of enquiry you are following, did you find anything confusing/puzzling through your research process? ask questions about your topic and try to offer potential responses
Make sure everyone can hear you – ask them if you are unsure
Ask another student to make thorough notes of staff/student feedback for you.


TEXTS
You will need to show your understanding of the relevant theories from your research material, presenting the main points clearly. Consider the relationship between texts and the points of view of the authors, how do they differ? What is distinctive about your ideas – how do they differ and how do they connect ?
Can you see the potential for making comparisons/relationships between the ideas explored in the texts you have researched i.e. written research material and your chosen visual material?


ALL STUDENTS MAKE A PRESENTATION. THE PRESENTATION IS NOT GIVEN A SEPARATE MARK BUT IS INCLUDED AS PART OF THE UNIT 2 ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE OF YOUR RESEARCHED MATERIAL TOWARDS THE ESSAY IN UNIT 4.

REMEMBER THE PRESENTATION IS WORK IN PROGRESS TOWARDS THE ESSAY IDEAS AND YOU MAY NOT HAVE DEVELOPED THE “THEORY” RESEARCH IN DEPTH UNTIL YOU RECEIVE ADVICE IN THE PRESENTATION FEEDBACK FROM YOUR TUTOR –

The presentation is a starting point for developing your essay ideas.