Students can design a presentation about a decade in history, for example, or a famous invention, a famous writer or artist, or the results of a classroom science experiment. Informative topic presentations work well for any school subject. The goal of these presentations is to inform, so provide the students with a specific rubric that clearly indicates that they are educating a group on a topic previously unknown to them. To increase the accessibility of the information, have students prepare a handout or PowerPoint to include with their presentation.
A presentation that works well in a language arts classroom is a book report. Students can either choose a novel from a reading list or be assigned a work of literature by the teacher. After completing the book, students make a presentation that teaches the class about that book. The purpose of the book report could be to explain the plot, outline themes and other literary devices found in the novel, or to capture the interest of classmates so they will want to read the book. As part of the presentation, students can create book jackets, movie posters or handouts that help explain the plot.
Expository topic presentations are "how-to" in format. This type of presentation topic explains a process or provides instructions step by step. Expository topics work well in science classes, where students can present the steps of an experiment or procedure. The purpose of these presentations is to demonstrate. In the rubric, include a criterion for how the instruction should be presented and require students to clarify the number of steps needed to complete the procedure. Expository topics can also be used for a creative presentation. Students can present more entertaining topics, such as how to solve a Rubik's cube or how to drive a manual-transmission car.
Students can use persuasive presentations to convince the class of a certain position or idea. Students can research real-world topics on the social and political issues of the day. The presentation may require them to offer one side of an argument and illustrate to the audience the validity of that position. The goal would be to persuade the class to agree with the presenter's opinion. Students could create a PowerPoint, brochure, flier or other multimedia piece to accompany their presentation.