Poster presentation

Step-by-step plan

Step 1: From learning objectives to assessment

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

Step 2: Assessment matrix 

Define the assessment matrix and determine how they are distributed across the learning objectives. Ensure the 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 (e.g., analytic, holistic, single-point) that translates assessment criteria into observable performance aligned with the learning objectives. For example:  content accuracy, relevance, structure, storyline, visual design, and used sources. What course outcomes should this assess (e.g., synthesis of literature, application to a case, data visualization, oral defense)?

Besides these, criteria make clear what the citation style is, how tables and sources should be presented and what image/AI disclosure rules apply.

Choose the authentic task & audience: who is the intended audience students should present their poster for? What scenario fits (conference poster, stakeholder pitch, public exhibition)? And of course, what is the purpose: inform, propose solutions, report findings etc.

Define both criteria to assess the poster and the pitch/presentation.

Step 4: Design the assignment   

Based on the decisions made in the previous step: write clear and transparant instructions for both the poster and the pitch/presentation.

Include the following:

• Determine the size (e.g., A1/A0) or digital specs (resolution, file type), word limit, required sections, data expectations and accessibility requirements (minim front sizes, plain language etc.)
• Specify what the poster must demonstrate (e.g., research question, method, results, implications) and who the targetted audience will be.

Make sure the instructions and grading criteria are aligned.

Think about feedback options for students to get on their poster. For example; peer feedback on a draft version of their poster.

Step 5: Prepare your students

Share examples of posters. Share the rubric with students. Emphasize or even teach the essentials, such as lay-out (titles, headings), visuals (graphs, images), colour/contrast, and accessible typography. Clarify the upload deadline, assign a time slot/pitch length (e.g., 2-3 min + 2 min Q&A), and plan a gallery walk layout. Moreover, make clear how the presentations will be conducted (e.g. in class versus in small groups), what they need to prepare and what you expect from them.

Step 6: Assessment & feedback 

Decide who assesses and how many raters: teachers, teachers + peers, external clients? In case of multiple assessors, plan a pre-calibration session beforehand. 

Display posters (physical or digital), let students deliver the pitch and assess  the posters with a rubric.

Step 7: Reflection & evaluation

Evaluate whether the method was effective in targeting the learning objectives and determine what could be adjusted for future cohorts.