Andrew Widener

10/07/15
Oral Proposal Self Reflection
Answer the following questions thoroughly and in complete sentences. Your reflection should
show evidence of critical thinking and analysis about your presentation. When complete, submit
to the Haiku dropbox and save a copy in your Passion Project folder on Google Drive.

1. Describe your level of preparation for the presentation. (Did you feel prepared?
How did you prepare? Did you prepare but still felt unsure? etc.)
The day before presenting (Monday night) I wrote my essential discussion topics on a note card.
The note card was mostly a summary of my written proposal, but also included elements that I
wanted to discuss further. I spent a considerable amount of time writing my proposal, so I
retained most of the information mentally. When I presented to the panel, I just made sure I
remembered to be respectful, professional, and prepared. Overall, I felt confident in my oral
proposal. My lack of knowledge regarding who the panel members would be made me a bit
uneasy, but my preparations negated this lack of information.
2. Describe your level of professionalism for the presentation. (Were you dressed in
appropriate business casual or did you just cross over the line? Did you speak in a
formal tone or were you having a conversation with friends? Did you include a greeting
and closing to your presentation? etc.)
I felt that I hit the mark for the needed professionalism. I wore a collared pullover and casual
pants. When the panel members would make recommendations or suggest ideas, I mentioned
that I appreciated their input. My tone was quite professional. I avoiding using slang words and
ensured my voice was clear and audible. I made consistent eye contact to the panel while they
were talking to me. When I first came in, I introduced myself and mentioned that I was a senior.
When they finished with their questions, I thanked them all and quietly left the room. As a whole,
my professionalism was at an ideal level.
3. Describe your level of confidence during your presentation.
Out of the four panel members, I had only spoken to two of them prior to my presentation. At
Valley Academy, Ive had to present to a multitude of different panels. This panel was fairly
straight-forward, so nothing caught me off guard. Largely for that reason, I was able to maintain
stable confidence throughout the course of my proposal. One gentleman, Mr. Crawford (I
believe thats his name), kept a fairly emotionless face throughout the presentation. In some
ways, this made me concerned. However, once I reflected on my proposal afterwards, I
concluded that he was simply listening very intently.

4. If you were to complete your presentation again, what would you change and
why?
I wish I wouldve had more time to consider some of the hypothetical questions. Many of the
questions that the panel asked related to research that would normally come about later in the
project process. Additionally, I wouldve liked to know who was going to be on the panel prior to
presenting. Different people have different personalities, obviously, and respond to information
in various ways. As mentioned, I simply wouldve liked more time to consider the seemingly
endless what if questions. If I was to speak to this panel again, itd help to remind myself of
their position as educators and administrators. By considering their potential what if questions
beforehand, I couldve had better responses in a couple of instances.
5. What were your major takeaways from the feedback you received from the
panel?
Most of the panels comments were directed towards the proposal, but a few good points were
raised. For one, I was asked if I considered this art section being applicable for school credits.
This is a great route to pursue, as long as the course isnt too tightly mandated. In many ways,
it could be treated like a standard high school art class - more or less. Another point was raised
regarding the times of day that the facility would be used. As I told the panel, I feel it would be
best to leave times fairly optional as long as they dont interfere with other classes. In the case
of most Valley students, their lab/study hall time would be ideal. A panel member also
mentioned the possibility of combining the art section with the Makerspace room. Both rooms
involve hands on learning in similar fashions, so I could definitely see a combination room
working out just fine. At that point, it depends on how much we had to work with. Some items
and furniture would probably need to be moved in order to fit in other equipment. It seems that
the panel had a strong focus on the possibility of integrating my idea into already existing
elements of Valley Academy.