Individual presentations can take up a lot of class time, so you want to make the most of them. I've discovered a quick and easy way to get more mileage out of these activities, and can show you how to reduce grade grumbling to boot.
I teach freshman communication class, which includes a component on presentations. We go through the usual processes of building topics, supporting ideas, structuring the arguments, and then pounding away at body language, intonation, energy and eye contact. As these are freshmen, I usually discourage them from complicating matters with Powerpoint presentations, and ask them to focus on sharp, effective delivery of relevant and interesting topics. I also usually have quite large classes - up to 28 this past term - so the presentations have to be short and sharp if we're to fit them into our schedule.I won't go into detail about the presentations themselves, but give you an idea about capturing, posting and grading them in a way that makes room for self and peer evaluation.
I've found that students are much less willing to complain about their scores when they can see the results for themselves.
Prior to class, I set up my notebook computer and hi-definition webcam near the front of the class. I focus the camera on the area of the class I expect the student to present from, and begin recording each as they come up to the front of the class. As I use a Logitech camera, the video is recorded directly to my hard drive, so no transfer or conversion from an external camera is required. The presentations are limited to between 3 and 5 minutes, so the files are not that large. As the students are presenting, I'll make notes and begin preliminary grading. I use a simple rubrik that has been really effective. Here's what it looks like.
Points are deducted for topics that are irrelevant, obvious, or just plain awful. Students lose delivery points if they fail to make appropriate eye contact, lack tone and energy, or otherwise fail to connect with their audience. Preparation points can be lost for excessive reading, rote memorization, or lengthy pauses. Organization points are lost for disjointed arguments, lack of structure, or no clear progression. Finally, format points are deducted if there is no proper introduction or conclusion, or if students use expressions that I have strictly forbidden such as "I'm sorry my English is so bad." or "This presentation should be so boring. " or "I'm finished!"
When the presentations are finished, I submit their grades via an offline activity in Moodle. I also upload their video files to the moodledata directory of that course. When I submit their feedback, I do two things. First, I create a link to their video, so they can view their presentations while they review their grades. Secondly, I paste in a blank rubrik and add scores and brief comments. The finished results are impressive to the students. They can see themselves and consider the scores, and see where they were strong and where they need to do some work.
I usually write some general comments at the bottom give them more personal attention. I always begin and end the comments with something positive: "This was a really good experience for you/ This was a great first effort . . ." and "I think you'll only get stronger as you gain experience/I'm really looking forward to your next presentation." I never write anything I don't mean, because I think students have radar for insincerity, but I also never have difficulty finding something positive to give the student in return for his or her effort.
Always begin and end the comments with something positive.
I've found that students are much less willing to complain about their scores when they can see the result for themselves. In addition, the scores and comments help them to see how I arrived at their grades. They feel the system is informative, helpful and fair. For teachers who wish or need to present evidence of structured activities and evaluation in class, these simple-to-capture videos fit the bill and their rubriks fit the bill. They also make great research material!
This system can also be modified and used for one on one or group interviews, with the content being captured on video and included with the evaluation. Give it a try. You won't regret it.
Rude comments will be edited to make you look goofy.