Will PowerPoint Presentations Engage Students in Social Studies Classes? : Will PowerPoint Presentations Engage Students in Social Studies Classes? By
Jonathan Zagare
Abstract : Abstract
Introduction : Introduction High School on Staten Island
Teacher of Social Studies (9th Grade)
My study dealt with two classes:
Class A- 20 Boys and 5 Girls
Class B- 18 Boys and 4 Girls
Ethnicity of School : Ethnicity of School
Problem : Problem Students do not pay attention
Low test scores
Lack of Motivation
Summary of Lit Review : Summary of Lit Review Considerable amount of Research done on PowerPoint presentations
Researchers have found it has a positive effect on student motivation
Can improve test scores
Research Questions : Research Questions How can PowerPoint presentations be used to engage students in social studies classes?
Will PowerPoint presentations improve test scores in social studies classes?
Quotes : Quotes “If my classroom is equipped with an internet connection or wireless technology I can enhance a lecture on World War II with sound clips of Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt giving their famous speeches.2 While teaching the Russian Revolution I can play clips of the Internationale and show photographs of Lenin.”
“Few instructors would disagree that a well-developed PowerPoint presentation can enhance and stimulate the learning environment by providing structure and organization, flexibility (linked material), and the ability to mix various media to accommodate different learning strategies.”
Data Sources : Data Sources
Results : Results
Action Plan : Action Plan Students became motivated with the use of PowerPoint
Test Scores improved
Students really enjoyed the PowerPoint as opposed to Lectures
Better student involvement
I will use a PowerPoint from now on
References : References DenBeste, M., (2003). Power Point, Technology and the Web: More than Just an Overhead Projector for the New Century? The History Teacher. Vol. 36, No.4.
Brazeau, G.A. (2006). Handouts in the Classroom: Is Note Taking a Lost Skill? American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, v.70 (2); Apr 15, 2006.