Power point is a great tool in the language classroom. It allows the teacher to modify curriculum and support/deliver instruction with vivid context (both images and text). Here's a few tips for using power point effectively. Also, easily make flashcards of your ppt slides for student use at their desk. See how to print in this tutorial + other great tips!
You can use power point POWERfully. Read how below!
Also, this video is very funny but at the same time, points out a lot of things we shouldn't do when using power point.
Power point presentations in the classroom are only as good as the WAY they are used. The power points I have on my site; English for Everyone, Everyday English Advanced and in particular, Super Vocabulary – can be made much more student centered and fun than just the ordinary, watch/listen/repeat. Here, I’d like to outline a few of the many ways you can use them creatively. I’m sure you also have your own ideas and please share, if you’ve found some particularly effective method. Let’s use some power points as examples and practice doing these!
1. BACKDOOR
Here, students are in groups or pairs. One student has their back to the presentation/screen. The other(s) tries to explain the vocabulary presented without using the word itself. Change and continue the same. Example. “It is something you cut with” – “Knife”.
2. STORIES.
Students in groups make a story from the vocabulary slides. Start with Mr. Bean or some famous person/character. Students must use the vocabulary word to continue the story. For example if you are practicing kitchen vocab. the story circle might be: “Mr. was hungry so he went into the KITCHEN. He picked up a KNIFE. He cut some onions and put them into a PAN.......”
3. PICTIONARY.
Much the same as backdoor but this time one student in the group sees the presentation slide and attempts to draw it. Students guess for points.
4. FLASHCARDS.
All the presentation slides can be printed and used as educational decoration in the classroom. Further, they can be printed 6 to a page and used as small flashcards. Simple chose print preview and the select 6 slides to a page option. Click print. Now you have sets of flashcards which students in groups can use to practice or with games. Go Fish, Concentration (matching), Snap and many others.
5. STORY BOOKS.
All the slides can be printed and students can make their own dictionaries or better, their own story books. They simply cut the pictures and paste. Possible titles are; “Things I like.” “My Job Book” “What I hate”. “My day” “My favorites.” Kids love cutting , pasting and during this time, the teacher can circulate, reinforcing the vocabulary and also informally testing student’s knowledge.
6. QUIZZES.
Students can be quizzed. Simply edit the power point so that the answers do not come up [go to custom animation and click the insert number and click “remove”. Then delete the answer. Save this file as “TEST” and use the original for the answers. Alternatively, you can quiz the students one day and test the next day formally. Also, you might have them check the answer right away and answer by using a dry board and marker...(this is preferable, students always learn more with instant feedback). You might also use the slides as a way to have spelling tests or students using the vocabulary in written sentences (much preferable to using just spelling of words.)
7. TPR
Total Physical Response. Students can act out each slide as they hum along. Have students take turns leading the class and thinking up a new response for each slide.
8. YOUR OWN WAY.
I am sure there are many other ways to use these presentations in a creative, student centered and communicative fashion. Please let me know how you best used them and I’ll share it with everyone else!