Presentations that kids love

Well it's been awhile, but I have something that I think is worth a few minutes of reflection. Whenever something goes well, my first instinct is to say "great" and move on with my life... but I'm trying to force myself to figure out WHY it went well so that its goodness can be repeated and extended.

For whatever reason, the presentations that my students did this week have always been student favorites. As background: The project involves analyzing 4 cell phone plans and figuring out which is best for 3 different customers. There is a lot of changing between different representations (words, tables, graphs, functions) involved. For "presentations" the student take turns pretend to be customers and simulate meetings with each other.

For some reason, they love it. Some of my guesses why:

• They love the project period because it involves cell phones. It could be the most evil, difficult project of the year and they would probably still love it. Ahh, the power of matching their interests...
• They don't have to present in front of the whole class. Even though they give presentations on a regular basis in every class, a lot of the still get really nervous. They only have to present to 1-2 people at a time, and they just have to sit at a table and talk with them, so there is a lot less pressure. I've found that this gives shyer kids a chance to really shine. Those who normally are reluctant to talk in front of the class can still manage to participate. Those who normally try but are shaken by nerves are able to focus on their presentation and really show off all their skills without their nerves getting in the way.
• They get to make some choices. They have a few different options in terms of which classmate to present to. They can choose their friends most of the time, thereby guaranteeing that they will get a good grade. Again, this takes the pressure off and gives them a chance to really focus on their presentation. They also get to pick which customer they want me to be, so they get to pick whichever one they are most confident about.
  
• It's loud and chaotic. Everyone is talking at once. At times its overwhelming. But I'm pretty sure most students love the noise and chaos.
• They get to act. When it's their turn to play customers, almost all are excited. I think I had one student all day ask "Do I have to do it?" (to which, of course, I said yes). That's way less than normal! They don't get to access that creative side as often as they should, so it's nice to tap into that side once in a while.

So how do I extend this to other project? I honestly don't know yet. I don't think it would work in every situation. But I am going to be open to the possibility as it arises!