1. PRAXIS and Presenting EDU 224 | Newberry College
Before starting class…
It is appropriate to talk about PRAXIS and presenting in the same class. The word praxis means “ the exercise of practice of an art or skill” (Merriam-Webster Online). It is the synthesis of knowledge and action. The PRAXIS test (offered by ETS, the Educational Testing Service) is meant to measure your knowledge for the practice of teaching. The practice of teaching has a great deal to do with presenting information.
We will look at both the PRAXIS tests and presenting in today’s class.

2. PRAXIS and Presenting What is the PRAXIS I test? Why is it important?
What do I need to do regarding the PRAXIS I?
What are the guidelines for good public speaking?
What do I need to do for the History of Education presentation?
By the end of class you should be able to answer these questions.

3. What are the PRAXIS tests?
The Praxis Series™ tests are taken by individuals entering the teaching profession as part of the certification process required by many states and professional licensing organizations.
You must pass or exempt all three parts of the Praxis I test to enroll in the Newberry College Teacher Education program.

4. Can you exempt PRAXIS I?
Check the Newberry College website at praxis.aspx

5. PRAXIS I 3 parts: Reading, Writing, and Math Paper or computer option
All parts do not have to be taken on the same day.
Score range is 150 to 190 on each part.
Tests are norm-referenced. How your score is rated depends on the scores of others who take it. (Passing scores will probably be in the 170s.)
There are some restrictions about how often you can take the test.
Approximate cost for all three parts is $180.
PRAXIS I
Have students work in pairs to complete practice problems from Morrison’s notes.
Practice computer-based items for the mathematics, reading, and writing sections will be uploaded to “Class Content” on our class wiki.

6. What can you do to be successful on the PRAXIS I?
Talk to other students who have recently taken the PRAXIS I.
Sign up for free PRAXIS tutoring sessions with Dr. Charles Hatch in the Department of Education office.
Go to the ETS PRAXIS website for test prep guides and webinars.
Look at sample tests – know what you’re getting yourself into.
Set some dates for taking parts of the PRAXIS I, develop a study plan, and implement it.
Additional information about preparing for PRAXIS can be found at

7. To sign up for the PRAXIS I or find study materials, go to http://www

8. After PRAXIS I and being accepted to the NC Teacher Ed program, before graduating you will also have to pass…
A PRAXIS II PLT (Principles of Learning and Teaching) test designed to assess general pedagogical knowledge at a particular grade level (EC, K-6, 5-9, or 7-12). The PLT includes case study responses and multiple-choice.
PRAXIS II subject-specific assessments required for your certification area(s). These tests include multiple-choice and essay questions.

9. Questions about PRAXIS
Note any questions students have that you cannot answer. Tell students you will find answers before the next class.

10. Public Speaking Guidelines
What is the most distracting or annoying habit you’ve seen or heard?
Why is public speaking so important for teaching?
What are the guidelines?
Share Morrison’s Public Speaking Guidelines.

11. History of Ed Presentation
Set up groups.
Go over/Discuss assignment sheet and rubric.
Set due date(s).
Slideshow and handout due?
Do presentation on?
Set students up in random groups of 3 or 4.
Picture: “The Milan Township District #83 Schoolhouse“ from retrieved 8/24/2010

12. Collaboration
Respect The candidate demonstrates respect and appreciation for group members’ needs, diverse abilities, work styles, and backgrounds.
Group Efficacy The candidate contributes to group efficacy through expressed beliefs, goal-setting, thoughtful feedback, and verbal persuasion.
Willingness to Work While not taking over the work of the group, the candidate puts forth great effort to make certain tasks are complete and the group achieves its goals.
Flexibility The candidate is extremely flexible in terms of work role, schedule, logistics, and project ideas.
Focus on the Group The candidate in every instance shows concern for the learning and achievement of the group over his/her need for a good grade or need to direct.
At least half of each student’s grade will be based on collaboration. Discuss what that means.
Make the point that teamwork and collaboration are often two different things.

13. Avoid these presentation and teamwork pitfalls.
Audience boredom
“My way or the highway” group dictatorship
Martyrdom – “I’ll just do it all.”

14. What percentage of a slideshow should be visual?
If it is being presented live, a good PowerPoint slideshow should be 60 percent visual.

15. Get together and strategize.
Review what needs to be done.
Look at the material.
Take stock of different group members’ skills.
Brainstorm.
Decide who can do what.
Plan for meetings outside class – synchronize calendars.

16. What’s Due?
Assign/discuss homework. Discuss next steps.