A poster presentation is a visual presentation (analogue or digital) that is used to present research results, concepts or data in a clear and attractive way that makes them easier to understand. Consider a poster presentation for the results of a research project, a new theory or concept, the analysis of a case study or the evaluation of an existing policy or programme. This form of test is an effective way to assess students’ research skills, presentation skills and communication skills.
Organising a poster conference for students can very well act as an interesting and lively conclusion to the educational component (e.g. a research project) of which the poster is the final result. For each poster, the student (or group) can be asked to do an elevator pitch or do a presentation where the poster forms the ”back-drop’. Thus, additional communication skills can be assessed directly.
A poster conference can also be well organised online with Gather.town.
A PICO presentation is a specific form of poster presentation used in healthcare to present the results or analysis of a study or medical topic. The presentation should be clear and attractive, using images, graphs and tables to explain the results of the study. Here, key findings are clearly presented and supported by scientific references. Here, the acronym PICO is used to summarise and identify the main aspects of the research question, namely:
- P – patient, problem or population under investigation
- I – intervention or treatment under investigation
- C – control or comparison with another intervention or treatment
- O – outcomes, the result or effect being measured
To use a poster or PICO presentation as a form of test, you can do the following:
- Give students specific topics or research questions to research and present.
- Set clear guidelines and formats for the poster or PICO presentation, including the size and information to be included.
- Give students examples of good posters from previous years.
- If necessary, offer an assessment form, so that you can grade students based on specific criteria, such as the clarity of the presentation, the quality of the research methods and the originality of the conclusions.
Want to know more?
- Using the PICO Framework – University of Canberra
- Posterpresentaties door studenten: ook dát kan online – Universiteit Utrecht
- Using a poster to assess learning – University of Warwick
See also: Oral, Elevator pitch, Research project.
Tools: Gather, PowerPoint.
VU Taxonomy?
Programme specific skills in applying knowledge and understandingOral communication
Written communication
Own reflexive attitude and responsibility in society
What total group size?
More than one hundredBetween fifty and one hundred
Up to fifty
Up to twenty five
What activity group size?
IndividualSmall group (2-4 pers)