Often International students arrive in the UK and don’t have the confidence to stand up and present in English, particularly when it is not their first language. Indeed, it can be a very daunting prospect for them. On a communication skills module delivered by tutors in YSJ International, the iPads were used to enhance the self and peer review of presentations (at the formative stage) in a non-threatening way.
The main aim of the sessions was to gradually build up the students’ exposure to an audience when presenting. Initially, each student recorded a partner presenting, using the iPad’s built in video functionality, then watched the recording of themselves. In the next session, they sought feedback from other students, but only on an individual basis, and with the strict understanding that feedback would include positive comments, and only criticism that was constructive. After two or three such practice sessions, students had become more comfortable seeing themselves on the iPads, and agreed to recordings being shown to a larger group using the interactive whiteboard and projector. Again, there was peer review and additional comments from the tutor.
In this instance the application of iPads was simple but effective. By regularly seeing themselves on the recordings, students seemed to lose the self-consciousness which can be a serious issue for many. Introducing peer review then helped them to develop their skills, to the point where they became accomplished presenters. Since using the iPads, the students involved have gone on to present confidently at several events, including our annual iTeach@YSJ.
