PechaKucha presentation

Step-by-step plan

Step 1: From learning objective to assessment 

Determine whether the chosen form of assessment matches the knowledge and/or skills you aim to measure, as described in your learning objective.

This method of assessment is suitable for assessing visual storytelling, presentation skills and concise, structed explanation of a topic.

Step 2: Assessment matrix  

Define the assessment criteria and determine how they are distributed across the learning objectives. Ensure this distribution aligns with the weighting in your assessment plan. Indicate how many points each criterion is worth. Make sure the cognitive level of each criterion matches the level of the corresponding learning objective, never exceeding it. Lower-level criteria are allowed, as long as they still measure the intended learning outcomes.

Step 3: Create the rubric

Develop a grading rubric that translates assessment criteria into observable performance. Choose a type that fits the assignment and purpose (e.g., holistic, analytic, single-point). A clear rubric ensures transparency for students and consistent grading, and can be refined iteratively to align with learning objectives.

Possible criteria are: accuracy and depth of content, logical structure and storyline, visual design and support of message, timing and fluency, audience engagement and clearity of language. 
Ensure the graiding criteria are observable.

Align rubric items to the exact learning objective: if you want synthesis, weight content/synthesis higher than visuals.

Step 4: Write the instructions 

Write instructions for students. A PechaKucha presentation is about presenting one idea per slide, large visuals, minimal text (1-5 words), consistent fonts, readable contrast, and timing practice.

Define the following:

• Include time format (20×20 or variant)
• Minimum and maximum amount of slides
• Platform requirements (PowerPoint with timed transitions, PDF with auto-advance, or recorded MP4)
• Allowed aids (notes, slides, props)

For big cohorts, require recorded submissions.

Step 5: Prepare your students

Share the rubric with your students. Provide a strong and a weak example (video or recorded slides) so students know the standard.Consider preparing your students by for example a workshop on slide design and story arc. and demonstrate how to set slide timings (PowerPoint → Transitions → Advance Slide → After 20s). Encourage students to rehearse their presentation and to give each other peer feedback.

Step 6: The presentations

Test the software before students start presenting. During the presentation, ensure you strictly time the students. Use a visible clock. Option: brief Q&A (1-3 min) after each talk or at end, and/or peers complete a short feedback form.

Step 7: Feedback and grading

Provide rubric-based written feedback and immediate oral feedback after the talk. Optionally require a short reflection from the student: 150-300 words on choices made and lessons learned.

Use anchor videos and run a short calibration session with assessors. Grade in batches to improve intra-rater consistency (don’t grade too many presentations back-to-back without breaks).

Step 8: Evaluate and adjust

Collect student feedback, note common issues (timing, visuals, argumentation) and adjust instructions/workshop for the next iteration.