Conservation Biology Spring 2002

Oral Presentations

Time: You will have 20 minutes for your complete presentation. Part of this time you should leave for questions from your audience (3-5 minutes). A timer will be used during the presentations. You will not be allowed to exceed the 20 minute limit. Plan your presentation accordingly.

AV use: In your presentation you should use illustrations as appropriate. These may be pictures transferred to overheads, slides, or computer. A projector can be arranged if you wish to use computer images.

Grading: Grading will be carried out by the class (65%) and instructor (35%). The talk will be graded on the basis of content, organization, clarity, and use of audio visual materials (as appropriate). You will receive a summary of your critiques from your instructor. One-third of your paper-presentation grade will be based on your oral presentation. A copy of the presentation evaluation form that will be used is on the back of this page.

Presentation:

Short talks of the type you are to present require good planning and practice. Make sure that you rehearse your talk to ensure it will fit into the allowed time.

The talk should cover all the major topics you have been asked to address in your paper. These include:

1. The biology and ecology of the species

2. The current conservation status of the species

3. The causes of any decline in the population(s) of your species

4. The current conservation efforts (if any) on behalf of the species and/or your evaluation of or conclusions about what steps should be taken to ensure the species survival.

Be aware you are giving a short talk which represents a synthesis of the research you have carried out on this species. It is extremely unlikely you will be able to present everything you have learned. Rather, your goal here is to educate your audience about the species you studied, the reasons it may require special conservation efforts and whether the steps currently being taken are appropriate and/or your views on what might be an appropriate conservation strategy given the information available. As we have discussed perfect data sets and undisputed courses of action rarely if ever exist. Your job is to give your best evaluation while recognizing its strengths and weaknesses.