Pecha Kucha 20 x 20

On Monday during staff development, Mrs. Rainwater introduced the Glenhope staff to Pecha Kucha 20 x 20, a presentation format that requires students to present 20 slides for 20 seconds each.  It was devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham of Klein Dytham Architecture in 2003, and it has caught on with professionals and educators from all over the world.  The idea is to give short, concise talks about topics you want to share.  The slides advance automatically as you speak, so you have to be well rehearsed to make an effective presentation.

How does this simple strategy apply to gifted students?  There are several variations we can use in our classroom.  On Tuesday, I put 20 slides together that reflected what we have learned about circuits, electricity, and energy during the last two weeks.  For example, one picture had a picture of a series circuit, with three lit light bulbs.  The students lined up in front of the screen, and each one had to talk for 20 seconds about their slide without ever seeing it beforehand.  It required them to think on their feet and apply what they have learned to a real-world situation.  When everyone had the chance to talk about a slide, we went back over them and clarified the most important elements of each picture.

This was an effective review strategy in my opinion.  The students collaborated to learn about every slide, and everyone participated.  There was a small amount of underlying anxiety because of the unknown, but that kept everyone focused and on-task.  I believe the students also enjoyed comparing what came to their mind when they saw the picture with what other students said.

One variation we could try in the future is for students to design their own Pecha Kucha.  The format does not allow students to read from a slide, or to waste time perfecting a Power Point with creative transitions and effects.  All of their efforts have to be directed toward the content.  I could also allow the students to preview the slides, and assign them to specific students or groups.  In addition, I could call on students at random during a slideshow instead of having them line up.  Whatever method we use, I believe Pecha Kucha is a fun activity that stimulates thinking and challenges students to apply what they have learned in class.  It allows students to be creative, and often requires them to demonstrate conceptual understanding of the topic.  I am looking forward to using this strategy again soon.

Note: Pecha Kucha Global Night is tonight (February 20)!  You can find more information here.