Course Information
Syllabus
Presentation Grading Rubric for Seminar in Physical Applied Mathematics (18.384)
Mathematical Correctness (35%)
The math and its motivation are correct and demonstrate a solid
understanding of the material; terminology and notation are used
correctly; any errors are minor and are quickly caught and
corrected.
Clarity (35%)
The entire presentation can be understood on some level by all
classmates as shown by appropriate preparation. For example, the
level of detail, difficulty, and formality are appropriate to the
audience and to the content; the well chosen topic,
structure/organization, examples, explanations, figures (effective
use of images/captions/animations [label images/axes]), appropriate
use of colors, roadmap/outline/motivation/seek to answer questions,
and use of formality guide most of the audience to understand both
the content and its relevance. Carefully structured slides (don’t
clutter slides or use too small of text) complement vocal delivery
by emphasizing important points and helping the audience absorb
subtle points, without distracting. Delivery is carefully prepared
and the language is appropriately precise.
Audience Engagement (20%)
The presentation is carefully crafted to be mathematically engaging
and appropriately paced for the target audience. For example, the
well chosen topic, examples, remarks, etc., entice the audience to
engage with the topic while less important details are
de-emphasized or omitted; the delivery is insightful, with
connections made both within the talk and to other disciplines; and
the presenter adapts well to audience reactions. The audience can’t
help but pay attention. This can be helped with good eye contact,
appropriate use of humor, minimization of distracting movements,
encouragement of questions (as appropriate), and avoidance of
reading from the slides.
Process, Other (10%)
Each presentation did not make the same mistakes as early ones and
represented the best capabilities of the presenter; the presenter
ensured that he or she understood the provided feedback from
previous presentations/submissions and the reasons for it, and the
more recent documents successfully took into account but was not
limited to the provided feedback. Credit others as appropriate.
