Changing Horizons in Geography Education - HERODOT Network ...

esses or their reciprocal relationships. The proper method of presentation determineshow successfully the didactic aims are implemented and influences the efficiencyof teaching.Preparation for presentation includes a thorough analysis of its aim, method andthe recipients involved. The most important element of each presentation is to determineits objective. Thus presentation is a task-oriented activity and not spontaneousand unprepared (Łasiński, 2000). Good reception is dependent upon the audience.Consequently, it is the student who decides in what way geographical input is takenin, understood and memorized.Many authors (Jay and Jay, 2000; Łasiński, 2000; Pijarowska and Seweryńska,2002) agree that the following factors influence good reception of presentation:• Clear structure of presentation• Contents as well as expression of the topic• Body language, i.e. author’s image, body posture and eye contact• Method of presenting contents using visuals or creating a whole set, if necessary.Every presentation, regardless of its subject matter, consists of the followingelements which must be clearly visible to recipients: introduction (topic presentation,engaging listeners’ interest and preparing them for reception), development(subject discussion, presentation of main points, conclusions and acknowledgmentof attention). It is the presenter who decides when to move on to the next part ofthe presentation and how to end it. One of the basics of presentation is confidenceresulting from profound knowledge of the subject and realistic self-esteem (Pijarowskaand Seweryńska, 2002). As for timing of individual parts of presentations,the introduction takes on average 15% of time allotted, development about 75% andending about 10%. The basic elements of presentation to which particular attentionshould be given are listed below (Pijarowska and Seweryńska, 2002).Introduction• first impression determines the success of the whole undertaking• non-verbal communication occurs throughout the entire presentation• eye contact with listeners as well as awareness of facial expression and gestures• introduction should be a conscious presentation• a plan – script – is essential.Development• excellent knowledge of the subject as well as logical sequence and clarity of themessage• visuals that make the subject easier to comprehend and also add interest• managing symptoms of nervousness• maintaining contact with listeners• keeping track of time• approaching the finishing stages of development should create an impression ofcompleteness and clarity of the message.53