Guidelines and Resources: Panel Session Presenters
Conference Environment
The number one thing to keep in mind is that Lilly is a very friendly conference. It is a supportive community of teacher-scholars who share your passion for teaching and learning. Lilly participants look forward to hearing what you have to say and to participating actively in your session. They will be willing to provide constructive feedback that you can use in your teaching and scholarship. So have fun with your session.
The Panel Session Format
In a panel session two or three papers submitted by different authors are grouped by topic, with each author having 10-15 minutes to summarize his or her work and relate it to the other papers. Discussion follows each presentation. Total panel session time is 60 minutes. Thus, if there are two other presenters, you will have 15 minutes for your presentation; if there is one other presenter, you will have 20-25 minutes for your presentation. If you are assigned to a panel, we will give you the names and e-mail addresses of the panelists with whom you are teamed, and you should read their proposals on the website before the session.
Timing
Because keeping so many back-to-back sessions on schedule is challenging, please plan your presentation to fit into the time allowed. Practice to be sure your timing is accurate. If, as often happens, participants wish to continue discussing your topic with you at the end of the time allotted, invite them outside and find a convenient place to talk so that the next session can begin on time.
Audience and Presentation Tips
Your primary audience members are college and university faculty from throughout the United States and internationally. They will also appreciate very much the opportunity to share and participate in the session. Because the time allotted for panel sessions is limited, make your presentation as streamlined as possible in order to allow time for questions and discussion. If you use PowerPoint or other media (see Technology, below), keep the slide text to a minimum and use the time to elaborate on the slide. Only in very rare circumstances should you read your slides to participants, for instance, a powerful quotation that is key to your discussion.
Arrive at your room at least 5 minutes before you are scheduled to begin to allow yourself time to check the equipment and get your materials in order.
You may wish to brainstorm possible questions that might arise during the question-and-answer period and practice answers to those questions. Have a watch or clock so you are sure to stop yourself in time to answer questions. Paraphrase all questions asked to ensure both you and other audience members heard them correctly. Answer questions clearly and concisely and avoid rambling. Remember to speak to the entire audience, not just the person who asked the question.
Do not be afraid to let the group know if you don’t know the answer to a question. It might work to ask if anyone in the group has a good answer to the question, or simply note it is a great question and you will need to look into that issue.
Technology
Your room will have the A/V equipment you requested when you submitted your proposal (including LCD [data] projector, screen, easel, flip chart, VCR/DVD player, or overhead projector). Presenters must supply their own laptops and any special connectors. If you are unsure of what equipment you have requested or need to make changes, notify the Conference A/V facilitator as soon as possible at wentzegw@muohio.edu.
Attendance
Session attendance is difficult to predict and may range from 5 to 50. Plan to bring at least 35 copies of handouts. Take leftover handouts to the registration desk, where we will have a place for individuals who missed your session to pick them up.
If you have any questions regarding this session format, please let us know as soon as possible (wentzegw@muohio.edu).
After the Conference
Please send copies of your handout to anyone who requests it within 7 days of the conference. Once a week has passed, the likelihood of the request getting lost increases significantly. Send a quick note to anyone who expressed a good deal of interest in your poster to thank him or her for taking time to chat with you. It is a kind gesture that may lead to a good professional relationship. You never know when you might need a professional favor, for example, someone to give a paper you have ready for publication submission a quick read for feedback.
If you have any questions regarding this session format, please let us know as soon as possible (wentzegw@muohio.edu).