Introducing Poster
Presentations to Students
Purpose
To disseminate the
essence or summary of a
research project
(interesting topic) to a
(typically large) audience
in an informal venue.
TYPES
of research
Benefits
‘To give students the
opportunity to rise to
an academic challenge
and be honored for it
campus wide.’ *
* Reproduced with permission by Prof. Holly Hoffman
Primary Research Guidelines example exerpt
(from Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society)
http://www.sigmaxi.org/meetings/student/hints.shtml
Guidelines and Space Restrictions
Title


Your title should capture the major aim/conclusion of your research. The title
may span the entire top of the 4 X 4 board, or may be positioned in the top center.
Lettering for the title should be large enough to be read from several feet away.
We recommend using a minimum of 70 pt. font.
Abstract

In general, your abstract will contain one sentence from each section of your
presentation. For example:
o Introduction: Why is this research important and what question are you
trying to answer?
o Methods: How did you go about solving or making progress on this
problem/topic?
o Results: What are your findings?
o Conclusions: What are the implications of your findings?
Introduction

Clearly state the problem or project and the reasons why you are studying it.
This information should be contained in the first few sentences. Make the
introduction one or two paragraphs in length.
Materials and Methods

Give enough detail so that others will know how you gathered the data. Use
equations, figures, and tables only where necessary. Aim for clarity and brevity.
Tables and Figures


Use graphs rather than tables to present numerical data.
Leave out any unnecessary details. Studies show that you have only 11 seconds to
grab and retain your audience's attention. Display your important points and make
them brief.
Discussion/Conclusions

The purpose of this section is to relate your results back to the original
problem you have tested.
General Advice






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KEEP THE TEXT BRIEF. Blocks of text should not exceed 3
paragraphs.(Most viewers will not read more than that). Present
only enough data to support your conclusions, but make sure that
there is sufficient information to explain the process.
Use a word-processor for all text, including captions. Print on plain
white paper.
We suggest that all presentation text be 18 pt. font OR larger. The
title should be at least 70 pt. font.
The poster generally should read from left to right, and top to
bottom. Numbering the individual panels, or connecting them with
arrows is a standard guidance system.
Leave some open space in the design. Your audience will
appreciate this as it will make your presentation easier to read and
understand.
Before the poster session, rehearse a brief summary of your
project. Conference attendees and judges will want to hear you
describe your research and poster. Don't be afraid to point out
uncertainties in your work, you may be able to receive valuable
feedback and helpful insight from others.
It takes time to make a great poster. Allow 2 to 3 days to assemble
the pieces, such as photos, graphs and figures, and then allow 2
days to cut all of the boards and physically assemble the poster.
TALK WITH YOUR ADVISOR as you go through this process. Make
sure he/she approves of your layout and agrees that you have
presented all of the important information in the best possible way.
You may choose to display your poster on several different
sections of colored poster board. To do this, cut the poster board
into pieces that fit the size of your text sections. You may choose
to use adhesive spray glue or double-sided tape to attach your
paper to the backing. Some students prefer one of these methods
to using standard white glue, as it reduces wrinkling and bubbling
of the paper.
Primary research guidelines can easily be applied to secondary research
projects with little modification.
Sample -- ASTRONOMY 001: POSTER PROJECT GUIDELINES
General Guidelines:
1. Make a poster visually teaching an astronomy subject of your choice. Be
original.
2. If you choose a subject that we have already discussed in class, add more
detail with your own research (not out of class notes or your textbook.)
3. Choose a topic that is specific, instead of very broad. For example,
instead of the broad subject of galaxies, select a specific galaxy. You
may submit your topic to me ahead of time and I can suggest a more
specific one if you are having difficulty choosing.
4. This is an academic project – similar to poster sessions in professional
scientific conferences. Make it show that you have put a lot of
intelligent work into it. Look up poster presentation guidelines on the
internet.
Detailed Requirements:
1. One 20”x30” foam core board – any color (no other size is acceptable)
2. Write a 1-page, single-spaced, 1-inch margined, word-processed, summary
of your research IN YOUR OWN WORDS. To be turned in on
presentation day. You earn more points for proper use of quotes and
references than if you copy your text word-for-word,
3. The summary must contain at least two references (in addition to the
textbook). Use MLA format.
4. Put your name and class time and date at the TOP RIGHT on the
summary.
5. On the Poster board, put a title centered on the front.
6. Add visuals, and LABEL them, and add notes describing the visuals.
Reference all of your visuals unless you create them yourself.
7. Nothing must be sticking out from the front or sides.
8. Present your poster to the class on your assigned day (5 minutes max).
Either read your summary or “wing it” using your visuals as a guide.
Evaluation (Sample):
Posters will be graded based on the following:
Class presentation………………………………………………………..... 3 points
Following directions exactly……………………………………………..... 4 points
 At least three visuals (with descriptions). Without a description, visual will
not be counted
 Quality and depth of the research
 Neatness and visual appeal
One page summary………………………………………………………….3 points
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Eng 21 Project Poster Judging Ballot
Thank you for your time today! I will report your service
(as three hours) to the Flex rep.
Please evaluate each student’s poster as follows:
1. Neatness and visual appeal
(low)
1
2
3
4
5
Student Name or Poster Topic: __________
6
7
8
9
10
(high)
2. Instructor guidelines followed: (must have all three to score well)
__Captions on Photos
(low)
1
2
__Sources listed for charts/graphs
3
4
5
6
__Nothing sticking out of sides or top/bottom of trifold
7
8
9
10
(high)
3. Depth of research (from what you can tell from poster. The written research paper will be present but
you need not review it.)
(low)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4. At least three visuals (pictures, maps, charts, or graphs, etc.)
(low)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
(high)
8
9
10
(high)
5. Clarity of idea (poster makes sense, communicates project well, is not too “busy” or too difficult to read
or understand)
(low)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
(high)
Total Score: (AGS will calculate): _________
Reproduced with permission from Professor Holly Bailey-Hoffman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*evaluation can be as rigorous, or lenient as desired (or as permitted by time limitations and/or
students academic readiness).
Poster Examples
‘Bad Poster’:
http://tos.org/resources/publications/sci_speaking/bad_poster.pdf
‘Good Poster’:
http://tos.org/resources/publications/sci_speaking/bad_poster.pdf
Amazing Posters:
http://www.soe.uoguelph.ca/webfiles/agalvez/41x/
Example (Video) of Student Research Poster Session
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFiWW73Qu2Q
Contact Information:
Elizabeth Bell
Assistant Professor
Physics and Astronomy
X4585
bellea@wlac.edu