← Back to Topics
Student Presentation Checklist
Before You Begin
- Review your assigned topic page and all required coverage points
- Read the recommended references, focusing on official documentation and academic sources
- Understand that presentations must demonstrate analytical reasoning, not summarize documentation
Content Requirements
Required Components (All Presentations)
- Problem Context: What problem does this technology solve? Why do traditional databases struggle?
- Core Concepts: Clear explanation with correct technical terminology
- System Details: How it works in practice with concrete examples
- Trade-offs: Strengths, limitations, and when it is appropriate vs not appropriate
- Real-World Perspective: At least one realistic application scenario and production considerations
Topic-Specific Requirements
- Review your topic page's "Required Coverage" section for your assigned student number
- Ensure every bullet point in your section is addressed
- Include required comparisons, limitations, and concrete examples
Quality Standards
Analytical Depth
- Go beyond definitions: explain why, not just what
- Include trade-off analysis: when is this appropriate vs not appropriate?
- Provide comparisons with alternatives
- Discuss limitations and failure cases
- Justify design decisions with reasoning
What to Avoid
- ❌ Slides that only summarize definitions or list features
- ❌ Reading slides verbatim
- ❌ Copying diagrams without interpretation
- ❌ Framework-specific API tutorials
- ❌ Tool feature comparisons without design analysis
- ❌ Material that could be satisfied by reading documentation
Technical Correctness
- Verify all technical terminology is used correctly
- Check that architecture descriptions are accurate
- Ensure examples (queries, code snippets) are executable and correct
- Verify quantitative claims (orders of magnitude are acceptable)
- Cross-reference with official documentation and academic sources
Presentation Structure
- Logical flow: problem → solution → trade-offs → applications
- Clear transitions between sections
- Appropriate use of examples and visuals
- Professional formatting: readable fonts, sufficient contrast
- Time management: practice to stay within 17–20 minutes
Final Review
- Practice your presentation and time it
- Verify you can explain each slide without reading it
- Ensure you address all required coverage points from your topic page
- Check that your presentation demonstrates analytical reasoning
- Review the evaluation criteria and ensure your presentation addresses each rubric dimension