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2017　Technical Discussion B

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Academic unit or major
Career development courses
Instructor(s)
Ricinschi Dan  Gonzales Hazel Bantolino 
Class Format
Exercise     
Media-enhanced courses
Day/Period(Room No.)
Thr5-6(S514,S516)  
Group
B
Course number
LAC.C651
Credits
1
Academic year
2017
Offered quarter
2Q
Syllabus updated
2017/3/17
Lecture notes updated
2017/3/26
Language used
English
Access Index

Course description and aims

Technical Discussion is mainly a visual and verbal communication course catering to the needs of doctoral students. The course provides basic skills and practical experience required for clear and concise oral presentations and discussions on scientific/technical topics in English. It is designed to help doctoral students confidently and orally express their thoughts on technical issues and concerns. In addition to providing information synthetized from relevant reference books, the instructor offers students practical advice from his/her own experience as scientific presenter and conference attendee. Lecture topics will be a step-by-step preparation in delivering a conference presentation that will include practical guidelines and techniques for an effective speech in public. The course aims to teach doctoral students "what to say", "when to say it" and "how to say it" in the context of describing their research in oral conference presentations as well as in other formal and informal meetings (poster presentations, scientific debates, seminars, etc.).

Student learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students are expected to:
1. understand the importance of tehnical discussion for both their current and future career;
2. acquire and enhance the ability to verbally express their research-related ideas as well as give creative comments or suggestions on a technical note;
3. acquire and enhance the ability to speak confidently in English regarding technical issues; and
4. build a good rapport with their fellow students as audience.

Keywords

verbal communication, technical discussion, oral presentation, presentation skills

Competencies that will be developed

Specialist skills ✔ Intercultural skills ✔ Communication skills ✔ Critical thinking skills ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills

Class flow

Classes will be given for 7 weeks, once in Ookayama and once in Suzukakedai campus, and will be based as much as possible on a match between the student's and instructor's major/specialized area of research (a selection process will take place if necessary). Classes will cover preparations for an actual technical discussion (mainly in the form of an oral presentation). Throughout the course, there will be opportunities for in‒class exercises and quizzes. Students may be assigned some topics for an oral presentation/debate based on which they will be evaluated, or they may introduce their own research work.

Course schedule/Required learning

  Course schedule Required learning
Class 1 Introduction to Oral Communication; Importance and Preparation of Conference Presentations Understand the importance of Technical Discussion for science and technology majors, set scenario for conference presentation
Class 2 Effective Opening of Conference Presentations; Essentials of Methodology Make interesting and strong introduction to get audience' attention, check logical flow of methodology
Class 3 Ways of Presenting Results; Discussion of Data; Preparation of Effective Visual Aids How to prepare effective tables and figures, how to clearly discuss the results of experiments, and how to design and arrange slides properly
Class 4 Effective Ending of Conference Presentations; Dealing with Questions and Answers (Handling Tough Questions) How to end presentations (final content), manage Q and A and learn techniques for addressing tough questions from the audience
Class 5 Special Techniques on How to Present Like a Pro (Delivery and Style of Presentations, Idea Linkers and Emphasizers, Video Viewing or Short Exercise) Learn the proper language and gestures in presentation, make coherent and spontaneous explanations of slides, learn techniques in proper audience interaction, demonstrate examples
Class 6 Students' Presentations in Class and Participation in Discussion Deliver short oral presentations and practical application of techniques learned in the course
Class 7 Students' Presentations in Class and Participation in Discussion Deliver short oral presentations and practical application of techniques learned in the course

Textbook(s)

None

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Suggested Books:
1) The Craft of Scientific Presentation (by Michael Alley)
2) Effective Presentations (by Jeremy Comfort)
3) Oral Presentations for Technical Communication (by Laura J. Gurak)

Assessment criteria and methods

Participation in Class Activities (40%); Oral Project Assignments (60%)

Related courses

  • Technical Writing

Prerequisites (i.e., required knowledge, skills, courses, etc.)

None

Contact information (e-mail and phone)    Notice : Please replace from "[at]" to "@"(half-width character).

gonzales.h.aa[at]m.titech.ac.jp ; dan.r.aa[at]m.titech.ac.jp

Office hours

Regular Working Hours: Weekdays 9:00 - 17:00
Consultation Hours: by appointment (contact via e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment with the instructor)

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