Nollaig shona daoibh

Today was our last session of 2008. It was a drop-in session for those wanting to chat about their essays or presentations (remember that we will be starting the presentations in the week that we come back).

I've been reading and marking essays and reports over the last week. No teacher or tutor enjoys marking (if they say they do they're probably lying). However I have, genuinely, enjoyed reading them.

I gave some feedback to some students on their essays today. As I said to those who came in, we want you to look upon these pieces of writing as a kind of learning resource. Even better look upon them as a work of art like a painting, a sculpture or a musical composition. We want you to take your time in moulding these pieces into examples of writing that you, as much as us, are happy with. Don't focus so much on merely "getting them finished". Remember that this year is all about the development of your writing, research, reading, talking and listening skills - this development is not something that can, nor should, be rushed.

After Christmas I will give feedback to everyone on their writing pieces. However, I may have to stagger this as I don't want to rush these individual chats either. These individual consultations are important.

The aim is that at the end of the academic year is that each student should end up with a portfolio for Communication which, among other things, will include the final, polished and ready-for-exhibition pieces of writing.

Anyway, enough of that for now.

You have all worked hard this term and deserve a break. Have a good one and see you all in the new year.

Nollaig shona daoibh.

And here's a festive greeting to you all from my son ...

Thu 11 Dec

Today was deadline day for writing pieces. Thanks to everyone who handed in work.

I asked everyone to get up in front of the class, use the PowerPoint and deliver the introduction to their talk. Everyone talked through their topic, the purpose of their presentation and a preview of the main points. Everyone did very well at this.

Again, I was impressed with clarity and voice projection of the short presentations. I purposely stood at the back and I was able to hear everyone clearly.

Some points that came out of this exercise:

• do not get into the details of your presentation in your introduction (save that for later)
• PowerPoint can help guide and structure a talk (but use it wisely)
• it's good to practise (don't do your presentation for the first time in front of the class)
• it's okay to be nervous (you'll have a sympathetic audience)

Next week, I'll be running a drop-in session for people to give feedback on essays. Of course, come and see me then if you'd like to have a chat regarding any aspect of the course.

After Christmas (be warned) we will be doing the presentations. Be prepared to do your presentation on the 8th of January. Remember that I need to see plans for these presentations.

Thu 04 Dec

Not a great turnout today, but thanks to those who made it in.

Today we continued to work on essays, reports and presentations in 208 and in 419.

I asked people to hand in presentation plans today - thanks again to those who did.

Remember that next week is the deadline for the two writing pieces. The fact-based piece can be formatted as a report if you like (I was chatting to Pawel about this). If you have any worries or concerns about meeting the deadline, please get in touch by email: jerryoneill@stevenson.ac.uk