Introductory Academic English Week 2 Quiz

Study Notes

Week 2: Presentation Skills – In-Group Work

Introductory Academic English (210260) is the course.
Nguyen Manh Cuong is the instructor.
The week's focus is on presentation skills and group work.

Why Group Work?

Group work promotes higher-order learning.
Group work is an authentic assessment of academic skills.
Group work enhances employability.
Recruiters value group work experience.
Academic group work is more challenging than professional group work.
There are differences in perspectives (deep vs. surface, active vs. passive) between group work.

Challenges of Academic Group Work

Synthesizing information is challenging in individual and group work.
Writing as a group is difficult.
Lack of a designated lead author can complicate group writing.
Diverse backgrounds, values, and experiences lead to difficulties.

Working with People You Dislike

Working with people who are not a student's favorite is part of academia.
Building the skill of working with others are key component for group work.
Academia may contain individuals who may be arrogant or difficult.

Planning Academic Group Work

Planning for academic group work is necessary from the start.
Pre-empting problems, setting goals, and strategizing are key.
Planning group work can sometimes be awkward or feel socially unappealing.
Planning and solving problems helps a group from starting problems in the future.
Utilizing strength and weaknesses of group members.

Making Group Work

Establish clear rules at the beginning (always!).
Set clear objectives, including timetables and deadlines.
Ensure all discussions are strategic and purposeful.
Use regular, structured communication.
The internet can be both a tool and a hindrance in group work.
Everyone needs to feel that they are contributing.

Group Work Checklist

Key considerations before starting group work:
- Rules, Planning, Setting tasks and deadlines, Allocating tasks, Collaboration and editing.
- Follow up plans, Group reporting, Rules enforcement
- Think strategically about the next week and meeting regularly, and staying focused.

Have Rules

Rules can be formal or informal.
Rules must be enforceable.
- Rules should include minimum level of participation, role responsibilities, meeting times, deadlines, and online response times.
Rules should not need to be punitive.

Plan

Good group work needs sophisticated planning.
Collective topic analysis, followed by brainstorming.
Clearly define group member roles (e.g., facilitator, note-taker, researcher, artist) to streamline the process.

Set Tasks and Deadlines

Set specific tasks and deadlines.
Consider follow-up plans and group reporting.
Consider rules enforcement procedures.
Meet regularly and maintain focus.
Specific tasks will become clear once topic analysis and planning are complete.

Allocate Tasks

Link task allocation with the original plan and topic analysis.
Re-evaluate tasks as needed during the process.
Establish systems and group contracts to help manage task distribution.
Consider using a rotation system or dividing tasks based on member skills or knowledge.

Decide on Collaboration and Editing

Define a system for writing and editing (e.g., joint writing model).
Preparation before meetings and discussions is critical (e.g., self-preparation, topic analysis, brainstorming, concept maps).
Segment content into sections (each with a writer and reviewer).
Ensure all group members review and edit the final product.

Keeping Records

Maintain records of each meeting (online or in-person).
Note tasks to be completed, deadlines, and responsibilities for different goals.
Designate a secretary/scribe for recording meeting details.
Maintain basic meeting agendas and minutes

Practice

Set aside 20 minutes from class to practice group work rules and objectives.
Determine clear rules and objectives for the group.

Oral Presentations

Individual oral presentations are part of the week’s activity.
Topics include your name and its meaning, the future benefits of your studies, and self-practice.

Presentation Skills

Public speaking is a skill, not a talent.
Practice is key to building presentations.
Oral presentations should be viewed as academic conversations.
Effective presentations aim to express and convey information.
Understand the presentation’s purpose.
Key concepts, like planning, presenting, and reflecting, can be approached and practiced separately before effective presentation emerges.

Overview

Planning includes nature, structure, and persuasion components.
Presenting involves guiding, effectively engaging, using appropriate skills, and media.
Reflection involves the element of improving understanding.

Description

This quiz focuses on the key elements of presentation skills and group work covered in Week 2 of the Introductory Academic English course. Explore the benefits and challenges associated with group projects, as well as strategies for effective collaboration and communication. Assess your understanding of working with diverse teams and the importance of presentation skills.

Introductory Academic English Week 2 Quiz

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

Group work promotes higher order learning.

Practicing academic group work does not affect employability.

Academic group work is generally easier than professional group work.

Establishing rules at the beginning of group work is unnecessary.

Regular communication is not important in group work.

Every member in a group must feel they are making a contribution, even if work is not split evenly.

Planning is not necessary for academic group work.

It is advisable to avoid discussing tasks and deadlines during group formation.

Good group synthesis requires sophisticated planning.

A researcher in a group setting is responsible for creating mind maps.

Group members should only assign tasks after topic analysis and planning.

Oral presentations are expected to be rehearsed individually before being presented to a group.

All group members are required to review and edit the final product collectively.

Public speaking is primarily a natural talent that cannot be developed.

Keeping records of meetings is unnecessary for successful group work.

The three foundations for effective presentations include planning, presenting, and delivery.