There are large classes (800 students or more) in first year biology at the University of Queensland, and despite the logistical difficulties of assessing such a large number, each of these students is expected to make a short class presentation for 5% of their semester mark. The topics of the presentation are aimed at reinforcing lecture material and focus on the diversity of vertebrates. Due to time constraints, students work in pairs within guidelines, to perform an engaging and informative presentation to tutorial classes of 16 students. How the students deliver their presentation is left entirely up to the individuals involved but innovative methods are encouraged. Presentations can include, but are not limited to, the use of preserved specimens, posters, dress-ups, puppets, models, etc. At the end of the presentation, students are expected to answer a number of questions from their peers, and be able to lead a short group discussion of their topic. Students are assessed (sample assessment form) on how well they have prepared, the content of their presentation, their presentation skills and their ability to deal with questions from the floor. Their final mark is the average of a mark from their peers and a mark from their tutor. In future, I may give the tutor's mark an increased weighting (50% of the mark) with the average of the marks allocated by the 14 listening student markers in the audience making up the other 50%, as probably the tutor finds it easier to grade the different presentations overall, and the different aspects of each presentation.

For many students, speaking in front of a group of people is a new experience, but in most cases it is performed at a high standard so that the aims of sharing knowledge, peer learning, independent research and improving oral communication skills are fulfilled. This initiative is an efficient way of assessing such a large number of students as it is performed during scheduled tutorial time and is marked by the normal sessional staff who are familiar with the students.