Module Overview for Week of August 5: Research Poster

Overview

A 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.” (PDF version 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.

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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.

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Readings for the Week of August 5

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. How to create a better research poster in less time
7. Daily Discussion Posts (DDPs)
   • #WeekendWatch: Designing Posters that Make a Big Impact (available 08/03)
   • #TuesdayTutorial: Effective Poster Presentations (available 08/06)
   • #WednesdayWrite: Analysis of Research Posters (available 08/07)
   • #ThursdayThought: Tips for Designing Better Research Posters (available 08/08)
   • #FridayFact: An Effective Research Poster Is a Readable Research Poster (available 08/09)

 

Activities for the Week of August 5

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

• Contribute to any or all of the following Daily Discussion Posts (DDPs) in Canvas)
  • #WeekendWatch: Designing Posters that Make a Big Impact (available 08/03)
  • #TuesdayTutorial: Effective Poster Presentations (available 08/06)
  • #WednesdayWrite: Analysis of Research Posters (available 08/07)
  • #ThursdayThought: Tips for Designing Better Research Posters (available 08/08)
  • #FridayFact: An Effective Research Poster Is a Readable Research Poster (available 08/09)
• Complete the DDP Self-Assessment for the Week of August 5 to report the work you did and record your score (100 points). Be sure to read the self-assessment at the beginning of the week so that you understand the expectations.

Writing Activities
(~9–12 hours, including time to write)

• Complete any or all of the following Major Writing Project activities (950 points total).
  • These activities contribute to the Research Poster:
    

    Preparation and Composing Work

    • Complete an Audience Profile Sheet (100 points)
    • Outline Your Project (100 points)
    • Create a Project Plan (100 points)
    • Create a Rough Draft (200 points)
    • Make Your Pitch (100 points)
    • Create Your Speaker Notes (100 points)

    Practice and Analysis

    • Go on a Design Principles Scavenger Hunt (50 points)
    • Evaluate a Speaker (50 points)
    • Integrating Graphics and Text on a Presentation Slide (50 points)
    • Analyzing a Poster’s Use of Design Principles (50 points)

    Revision and Editing Checks

    • Check for Concise Phrasing (50 points)
    • Check for Professional Design (50 points)
    • Check Your Use of Visuals (50 points)
    • Check for Citations and Documentation (50 points)
    • Check for Content Completion (50 points)
    • Complete your Final, Finished Draft* (400 points)
• Complete the Writing Activities Self-Assessment for the Week of August 5  to report the work you did (other than the rough draft and the final, finished draft) and record your score. I will grade your Rough Draft and Final, Finished Draft submissions, according to the expectations listed in the assignment.

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

• Complete the Readings Quizzes.
  
  • This quiz covers the reading above and is designed to assess your familiarity with concepts you will need to know to produce deliverables for this module. These quizzes are the following:
    • 21 Markel, Making Oral Presentations (100 points)
• Ask any questions about the course in the General Q and A Discussion (0 points) in Canvas.
  • Check the General Q and A Discussion for answers before posting.
  • Asking a question is not required. Use the Inbox tool in Canvas for questions about grades or personal information that should not be shared with the class.

 

 

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