Empowering PowerPoint: Slides and Teaching Effectiveness

In order to examine the effectiveness of using PowerPoint slides as a teaching aid in the post-secondary classroom, this exploratory study compared the impact on teaching effectiveness of the number and density of slides, as well as the use of visuals and other non-textual elements within slides. The number of slides used per session appeared not to affect effectiveness, but lower density (3 bullet points and 20 words or less) per slide was associated with effectiveness. Results for the 10 instructors teaching 17 classes on information management from 2003 to 2009 were also analyzed by teaching style. Instructors identified as “Experts” and “Facilitators” used more of a variety of pictures, photos, charts, graphics, sound in their slides compared to other Grasha-Riechman styles. Best practices for using PowerPoint slides are suggested.

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