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Module Overview for Week of April 1: Research Poster, Part 1

Overview

Overhead shot of a lively poster presentation sessionA common alternative to the traditional slide deck presentation is the research poster, which uses a blend of visuals and text to summarize the focus, methods, discussion, and findings of a research project.

Such posters have long been a key feature of scientific conferences, where researchers gather to share their work and discoveries with colleagues. It is rare to attend a conference in the sciences that does not hold what are called “poster sessions” concurrently with traditional paper-based presentations.

In “Conference Presentations: Lead the Poster Parade Links to an external site.” ( Download PDF version

) by Chris Woolston, biophysicist Anthony Salvagno, director of education for SciFund Challenge, explains that “[t]he scientific poster remains a crucial currency for communication and connection” within the field. But over the last few years, that has changed—for the better.

Now, research posters are a common feature of any academic conference, even those in the humanities. They serve as a quick and highly effective way of setting forth research in a visual manner.

At poster sessions, researchers typically either stand by their posters and field questions from attendees or they are allotted a specific amount of time to talk about their work as they refer to their posters.

Whichever the case, in order to capture the attention of the viewer, such posters must be usable:

  • The text included must be sharply and carefully summarized.
  • Images include must be accurately sized and complement the textual content.
  • The overall design must be eye-catching and easily navigable.

At the end of this module, you will have adapted your recommendation report into a research poster, expanded your knowledge of how visuals can complement the written word, and practiced your design skills to create a poster that meets usability standards.

Objectives for this Module

After completing this module, you will be able to

  • Describe and understand the persuasive nature of a research poster. (CLO 4)
  • Adapt and present in a visual manner the traditional workplace genre of the research report.  (CLO 4)
  • Analyze the rhetorical situation and determine how to adapt a lengthy written presentation into a cohesive, clear document for viewers. (CLO 1)
  • Apply principles of effective visual design, including hierarchical, chronological, and spatial arrangements. (CLO 6)

Note that you can find the full text of the Course Learning Objectives on the Syllabus.

Readings for the Week of April 1

  1. Research Poster: Assignment
  2. Markel & Selber, Chapter 21: “Making Oral Presentations”
  3. Woolston, Chris. “Conference Presentations: Lead the Poster Parade. Links to an external site.” Nature 536 (115-17). 4 August 2016.
  4. Miller, Jane. Preparing and Presenting Effective Research Posters
  5. Best Practices for Effective Scientific Posters, by Scientific Publications, Graphics & Media
  6. Creating Research Posters [a how-to handout for creating a poster in Powerpoint]
  7. How to create a better research poster in less time
  8. Daily Discussion Posts (DDPs)

 

Activities for the Week of April 1

Time Required: 7–8 hours, excluding reading time
Available Points: 701
Due Dates:

  • All work is due by 11:59 PM on Friday, April 5.
  • The grace period for these activities ends at 11:59 PM on Monday, April 8.

Daily Discussion Posts Activities
(85 minutes—5 posts @ ~15 minutes each plus self-assessment @ ~10 minutes)

Writing Activities
(~6 hours, including time to research and write)

Extra Activities
(As desired, time for the extra activities)

 

 

Photo credit: ENERGY.GOV [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons Links to an external site.