Week 11 May

I have managed to complete a literature assignment. I took me quite a while. However, now that is finished I can start working on my history essay. I have been reading the La Lengua de Las Mariposas text in order to begin writing the essay in Spanish.

My study plan for this week is to:
- Complete History Essay
- Complete 'Word of Mouth' assignment in Communication
- Continue with exercises in Spanish

Presentations

Having watched the recording of our recent presentations, I would like to say that the most important point is to be able to talk about one's topic without relying on reading. I understand that one feels quite anxious before the presentation, however small prompt cards are much more useful. That way the presenter can engage the audience into the topic without losing contact with the listeners.

Moreover, slides oveloaded with text somehow distract the audience as listeners are busy reading the lines on the slides instead of concentrating on the talk itself.

Additionally, if one needs to move to the next slide, it is best to do it while talking. The point is that pausing for too long could lead to awkward silence. Consequently, extends the time of the presentation.

If presentations have time limit, I would suggest that one practices in advance and consider 1-2 mins per slide. For example, for an 8-10 min presentation, 8 slides would be enough. That means 2 mins of talking time per slide. But, the talk should be structured so that it delivers the most important points of the subject being presented.

The way a topic is presented, determines whether audience would be engaged in listening to the talk. If presenter is not interested in the subject themselves, then it would be difficult to produce an engaging presentation.

Study Plan Week 8th December

Monday - Finish project about Investigating Europe
Literature - answer questions re poem

Tuesday - Finish fact-based and opinion-based essays.

Targets Diary

Monday 24 Nov 2008

Spanish - 1.30 min new vocabulary, revision of grammar.
Investigating Europe - Start writing the project.
Literature - 30 min

Tuesday 25 Nov 2008
Spanish 1 hour
Investigating Europe - 2 -3 hours

Wednesday 26 Nov 2008
Spanish - 1 hour
Investigating Europe 2-3 hours

Thursday 27 Nov 2008
Spanish 1 hour - new vocabulary
Investigating Europe - 2-3 hours

Friday 28 Nov 2008
Spanish 1 hour
Investigating Europe - 2-3 hours

Saturday 29 Nov
Spanish 2 hours
Investigating Europe - 2-3 hrs

Sunday 30 Nov
Spanish 2 hours
Investigating Europe 2-3 hours

Study Skills

Planning and organising my study time seems to work well for me as far as Spanish and Maths are concerned. However I seem to procrastinate doing the necessary work for Investigating Europe Project, as well as the essay writing. It's just that I find rather challenging I think.

A Marathon of Essays

I had to do two, whole very looong essays this week. I weighed my priorities respectively and consequently had to spend 2 days writing then ( it takes me a long time).
This week beginning 29 September I am planning to spend more time on research in connection with my project.

My study plans for a week

The alphabet!!!!!!!!!!
Revise new vocabulary in Espanol.
Listen to www.bbc.co.uk/languages/spanish
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Decide on what to write about Investigating Europe Project
Get the textbook in History.
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