Faculty-led Inquiry into Reflective and Scholarly Teaching (FIRST)
Date of this Version
2021
Document Type
Portfolio
Citation
Ruth, Taylor K. "An In-Depth Review of ALEC 305: Presentation Strategies for Agricultural Audiences" (2021). UNL Faculty Portfolios, 192. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/prtunl/192
Abstract
This portfolio reviews the class, ALEC 305: Presentation Strategies for Agricultural Audiences. This is junior-level class required for students majoring in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communication (AESC) and is an elective for students minoring in AESC or in Leadership and Communication. The class was also approved as a required class for the Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication (ALEC) major that is anticipated to launch in Fall 2022. As a core requirement for ALEC, the enrollment is anticipated to increase from 25 students to 50 students a year. This class focuses on practical presentations strategies that connect to students’ careers. Learning activities in the course include discussions, informal and formal presentations, and a variety of additional hands-on activities and demonstrations. Student evaluation comments supported that students enjoyed the active learning strategies utilized in the class and appreciated the detailed assignment feedback. Additionally, self-reported data indicated students felt more competent in all major skill areas taught in the class, including creating visuals, sounding and looking confident, and organizing presentations. Some students indicated they would appreciate more presentation opportunities in the future, but most liked the class how it was currently taught. To address the expected increase of enrollment in the future, a graduate teaching assistant has been secured for this class. Another improvement to this course is the addition of virtual reality programs to allow students to practice their presentations. Assignments and content will also be adjusted in the future to best meet the needs of the students enrolled in ALEC 305.