Context

This lesson (Lesson 17 of 20) is part of a Year 12 Languages unit on "Understanding the Samoan Matai System." The focus is on building students' presentation skills to clearly and engagingly communicate their researched findings about the Matai system.

Learning Intentions (WALT)

We Are Learning To develop effective presentation skills.
Confidently present research findings clearly, concisely, and engagingly.
Adapt content and delivery to audience needs.
Use appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication techniques.

Curriculum Links

New Zealand Curriculum Refresh — Learning Area: Learning Languages

Communicating Ideas and Information
Prepare and deliver oral presentations on researched topics using formal and informal language suited for the audience and purpose.
Adapt presentations to include clear introductions, main points in logical order, and strong conclusions.
Key Competencies:
Relating to others — considering audience needs and feedback.
Thinking — organising ideas and presenting information clearly.
Using language, symbols, and texts — using appropriate language features and non-verbal communication.
Achievement Objectives:
Develop and present extended oral texts incorporating cultural knowledge.
Use strategies to engage the audience and convey meaning effectively.

Success Criteria

Deliver a clear, concise presentation of the Matai system research.
Engage the audience through effective voice modulation, eye contact, and body language.
Structure presentation with an introduction, main points, and a conclusion.
Display confidence and adapt language for audience listening and understanding.
Use visual aids or notes if needed without reading verbatim.

Differentiation Strategies

For students needing support:
Access targeted workshops on public speaking (e.g., voice control, eye contact, pacing).
Use sentence stems and structured outlines to scaffold content.
Practice with peer or teacher feedback before final presentation.
Option to present to smaller groups before whole class.
For advanced learners:
Challenge to include comparative perspectives on Matai system impact.
Use multimedia elements or interactive methods (digital slides, recorded voice modulation).
Opportunity to self-assess and peer-assess presentations using a checklist.
Encourage all students to adopt culturally respectful communication styles reflecting the Samoan context.

Lesson Timing & Outline (60 minutes total)

Time	Activity	Description	Notes
0 – 10 mins	Warm-up & Review	Quick recap of previous research findings on the Samoan Matai system.	Activate prior knowledge and connect to presentation focus.
10 – 20 mins	Mini-lesson: Presentation Skills	Teach key presentation skills: structure, voice volume, pace, eye contact, gestures.	Use examples or video clips illustrating effective vs. ineffective presentations.
20 – 35 mins	Guided Practice: Preparing Presentations	Students organise their research notes into a presentation outline.	Scaffold with a graphic organiser; peer collaboration encouraged for feedback.
35 – 50 mins	Student Presentations with Peer Feedback	Selected students (or groups) deliver short presentations (3-5 mins each).	Whole class practice adapting audience awareness; model respectful feedback using sentence starters.
50 – 55 mins	Workshop Support (Parallel)	For students needing extra help, run a mini-workshop on voice control and non-verbal cues.	Optional; small group pull-out for personalised coaching.
55 – 60 mins	Reflection & Next Steps	Whole class reflection on strengths and areas for improvement. Discuss recording presentations for self-assessment.	Record a model presentation for reference. Set self-assessment goals for next lesson.

Resources Needed

Research notes from previous lessons on Matai system.
Graphic organisers or digital templates for presentation outline.
Video examples demonstrating presentation techniques.
Recording device (optional) for self-assessment extension.
Sentence stems and checklist for peer and self-assessment.

Assessment & Feedback

Oral presentations assessed informally during class on clarity, engagement, structure, and appropriate use of language.
Use a simple rubric focusing on:
Clarity and organisation of ideas.
Fluency and confidence in delivery.
Use of verbal and non-verbal communication.
Engagement with the audience.
Peer feedback to be structured and respectful.
Encourage students to use self-reflection after recording their presentation (extension opportunity).

Cultural Responsiveness

Acknowledge and respect the cultural significance of the Matai system.
Encourage students to integrate culturally appropriate language and expressions.
Recognise diverse communication styles and support neurodivergent learners with tailored strategies.
Highlight the importance of community and family roles in Samoan culture during presentations.

Summary

This lesson prepares Year 12 students to confidently present their research on the Samoan Matai system through carefully scaffolded teaching of presentation skills aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh. With a focus on both content clarity and audience engagement, the lesson integrates differentiation and extension strategies, allowing all learners to succeed and develop self-assessment capabilities. It combines interactive practice, targeted workshops, and reflective feedback within a culturally respectful framework.

If you would like, I can also help you with the presentation rubric template or peer feedback forms tailored for this lesson.

Presentation Skills Development

Teaching Instructions