Monday, October 13, 2008

IOP - Reflection

1. Write a brief descriptive paragraph that summarizes your IOP. Be sure to include the topic, your thesis, and the hook and any visual aids you used.

My IOP discussed the major conflicts in In The Time of The Butterflies, focusing on the four main characters, Patria, Minerva, Mate and Dede. Each of their conflicts, both internal and external were presented, although I only focused on one major conflict of each character. I attempted to explain the significance of each and the impact it had on the novel in terms of the main plot and themes. My stated thesis was "The cause and effect of each major conflict are what dictate the novel, in terms of the main plot line." I used a puppet show as my hook, a conversation between Minerva and El Jefe lead me into the first conflict I discussed. As I presented a puppet of each character I analyzed was shown. I also had a powerpoint on which I included the main points I talked about.

 

2. In a well-developed paragraph reflect upon the lessons you learned as a result of the IOP process. This process includes the preparation of your presentation, its delivery, and the subsequent reflection you engaged in following the presentation itself.

The entire process, including the preparation and the actual presentation, was definitely a learning experience. I learned many new skills such as presenting a literary argument and supporting it with evidence and proof.  I also improved on many other skills such as keeping the audience interested with the se of “hooks” and other various methods. I learned this from observing the audiences reaction during my presentation and from other presentations as well. From the preparation, I realized how inefficient procrastination is; I learned to manage my time better. I believe that if I had prepared better, my presentation would have significantly improved. This is reflected in the delivery of my presentation, which definitely could have been smoother. I stuttered a lot, evidence of my necessity to prepare better.  I discussed my weaknesses in my reflection, which also helped me realize the strengths and weaknesses of my presentation. I learned the importance of reflecting on such experiences and learning from my mistakes in order to prevent any future occurrences. I actually valued my mistakes as learning experiences. I noticed most of my flaws in presenting when I watched myself present (on video). I was really able to observe myself through the audiences prospective.

This experience has really prepared me for the other IB requirements and any challenge in life. The main lessons I learned were time management, the importance of preparation and other skills related to the actual delivery.

2 comments:

Hadi Inja said...

I remember being part of your presentation as one of the puppet masters. Your hook was grabbing, since you were the only person to use a puppet show. Also, your PowerPoint was very informative. You put down all the main conflicts, and you related them effectively with your thesis statement. I liked how you used the small puppet show skit of Minerva and Trujillo at the ball, since it was very comical and eye-grabbing. Also, I'm glad that you learnt those lessons, because I feel that those are the most valuable things to know before doing future presentations. I'm glad that you said, "I actually valued my mistakes as learning experiences", because one of the most important problems students have is repeating mistakes they have already committed, or what others have committed. Also, great enthusiasm concerning the IB, Melda, and that you are better prepared for "any challenge in life". Great work!

Danny K said...

I felt that the idea behind your hook was very interesting' the characters were drawn very well, the idea was humuorous, entertatining and attention-grabbing, but perhaps it was a little underdeveloped. I felt you could have used the puppets to further support and enhance your presentation by means of more skits, rather than just having one initial skit. I felt my own hook was very underdeveloped, lacking gravity rather than relevance. Regardless, your powerpoint was ver well structured, an excellent visual aid shwoing all your quotes and relevant ideas. I very much appreciated your realization of the importance of time management, I too feel a newfound understanding. I struggled with the time management at first, but once I finally got things organised in a schedule, the work and preperation for my IOP became a lot smoother and more fluid. This I.O.P truly was an interesting learning experience - there was something that made it different from any other presentation, perhaps it was the mere fact that it directly affected our I.B grade, but I think there's more to it. I truly enjoyed your presentation, bravo :)