1. Research Poster Preparations M.L. Feldmann Research Institute for Studies in Education Iowa State University

2. December 2, 2004 Schedule I.Complete On-Line Webform II.Poster Discussion A. Poster Presentations Discussion B. Planning C. Potential Poster Sections D. Understanding Your Context E. Graphical Design Elements F. Using PowerPoint G. Suggestions for Presentations H. Top 10 Poster Problems III.Poster Practice

3. December 2, 2004 A. Poster Presentations Discussion  Snap shot of research  Convenient format  Opportunity for discussion

4. December 2, 2004 B. Planning  What is the objective of the investigation?  Has someone done the work before?  How have I gone about with the study?  Why did I follow this particular route of investigation?  What are the principles governing the technique that I am using?  What assumptions did I make and what were my justifications?  What problems did I encounter?  What results did I obtain?  What have I found out?  Are the analyses sound?

5. December 2, 2004 C. Potential Poster Sections  Author, Title  Think Big! – (76 point/ 56 point)  Abstract  Think short, elevator ride.  Introduction  Provide only the necessary information to provide background to support research and conclusions  Objectives/Hypothesis  Short statement outlining research  Methods  Be conscious of your audience and their needs

6. December 2, 2004 C. Potential Poster Sections (cont.)  Results  Good place for graphs and/or tables  Conclusions  Make statement about the results in context with the introduction literature review  References  Identify those researchers that have contributed to your research through publication.  Acknowledgements  Identify those that have assisted and supported your research

7. December 2, 2004 C. Potential Poster Sections - Other  Further Work  Suggested Readings  Standards

8. December 2, 2004 D. Understanding Your Context  Who is your audience?  Faculty, researchers, students, administrator  What is your location and facilities?  Poster Size  Handouts  How are you presenting?  Individual or Group  What is your edge?

9. December 2, 2004 E. Graphical Design Elements  KISS Principle (Keep It Simple Stupid)  Font Type – Easy to Read such as Arial Don’t Use more than 2 types Use CAPS, Bold, Italics, and Underline sparingly Size  Summary: small font is unacceptable

10. December 2, 2004 E. Graphical Design Elements (cont.)  Graphics  Strike a balance - attractive without being overbearing  Only add if it provides interest to the display and complements the subject matter  Color  Develop a color scheme

11. December 2, 2004 E. Graphic Example 1 - Gif 2 - EPS

12. December 2, 2004 E. Graphic Example 1 - Gif 2 - EPS

13. December 2, 2004 F. Using PowerPoint  Page Setup for 3’ x 4’  H = 32.6”  W = 42.6”  1 page  Use zoom function  PowerPoint can files, graphs, etc, from most windows based programs including Excel, Visio, Word, and graphics programs

14. December 2, 2004 G. Suggestions for Presentations  Remember to bring something to hang your poster (thumbtacks, tape, etc.)  Contact information  Prepare short speech on your topic  Prepare handouts  Comfortable shoes

15. December 2, 2004 H. Top 10 Poster Problems 1. Cluttered 2. Small Font 3. Too technical 4. Too simple 5. Too confusing 6. Poor graphics 7. Spelling errors 8. SHOUTS AT YOU 9. Inconsistency 10. Not appropriate for audience