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Presenter Onboarding Kit

Welcome to the SFB 1252 Research Data & Methods Workshop Series! This guide helps new presenters prepare effective workshops.

Getting Started

Before You Present

  1. Review workshop guidelines (this document)
  2. Contact organizers to discuss your topic and approach
  3. Submit materials at least 1 week before your workshop
  4. Test technology in the workshop location if possible

Key Contacts

  • Luke Günther: Workshop logistics, technical setup
  • Dr. Job Schepens: Content coordination, academic oversight
  • Email: jschepen@uni-koeln.de
  • Office: 2nd floor @ House of Prominence

Workshop Guidelines

Duration & Format

  • Length: 90 minutes (14:00 - 15:30)
  • Break: 10-15 minutes recommended for longer sessions
  • Format: Mix of presentation, hands-on activities, and Q&A

Target Audience

  • Graduate students to research leaders
  • Mixed technical backgrounds
  • International participants (English or German acceptable)
  • 15-30 participants typically

Content Recommendations

  • Theory + Practice: Balance conceptual understanding with hands-on application
  • Real Examples: Use research scenarios relevant to SFB 1252 projects
  • Interactive Elements: Include activities, discussions, or exercises
  • Take-aways: Provide actionable next steps and resources

Technical Setup

Location

  • Venue: House of Prominence, Attic (Top floor)
  • Address: Luxemburger Str. 299, Cologne
  • Capacity: ~30 people
  • Layout: Flexible seating, can accommodate laptops

Available Equipment

  • Projector and screen
  • Laptop connectivity (HDMI, USB-C)
  • Microphone for larger groups
  • Flipchart and markers
  • Extension cords for participant laptops

Technology Requirements

  • Backup Plans: Always prepare for technical difficulties
  • File Formats: Test presentations in the actual environment
  • Internet: Reliable WiFi available, but have offline alternatives

Content Development

Structure Template

  1. Introduction (10 minutes)
  2. Welcome and introductions
  3. Learning objectives

  4. Agenda overview

  5. Main Content (50-60 minutes)

  6. Core concepts and theory
  7. Demonstrations and examples

  8. Hands-on activities

  9. Wrap-up (15-20 minutes)

  10. Key takeaways summary
  11. Q&A session
  12. Next steps and resources

Best Practices

  • Start Interactive: Begin with introductions or a quick poll
  • Check Understanding: Regular pauses for questions
  • Provide Context: Connect to participants' research interests
  • Be Flexible: Adapt based on participant engagement and questions

Materials & Resources

Required Submissions

  • Presentation slides (PDF and source file)
  • Handout materials (if applicable)
  • Setup instructions for hands-on activities
  • Resource list with links and references
  • Quick reference sheets for tools/techniques
  • Sample datasets for practice exercises
  • Further reading list with beginner to advanced resources
  • Contact information for follow-up questions

Evaluation & Feedback

Participant Feedback

  • Post-workshop evaluation forms are provided
  • Anonymous feedback collected via Google Forms
  • Results shared with presenters within 1 week

Self-Reflection

  • Complete presenter self-assessment
  • Note what worked well and areas for improvement
  • Suggestions for future workshop improvements

Follow-up Support

After Your Workshop

  • Evaluation review: Discuss feedback with organizers
  • Material archiving: Submit final materials for repository
  • Participant support: Be available for follow-up questions
  • Future planning: Consider advanced topics or repeat sessions

Presenter Network

  • Join our presenter community for ongoing support
  • Share experiences and teaching strategies
  • Collaborate on multi-session workshop series

FAQ

Q: What if I'm not experienced in teaching workshops? A: We provide mentoring support. Contact organizers to discuss preparation strategies.

Q: Can I co-present with a colleague? A: Absolutely! Team presentations often work very well.

Q: What if technical problems arise during the workshop? A: Always have backup plans. Organizers will assist with troubleshooting.

Q: How do I handle participants with very different skill levels? A: Prepare materials at multiple levels and use pair/group activities for peer support.

Q: Can I update my materials after the workshop? A: Yes! We encourage iterative improvement based on feedback.

Resources

Teaching & Learning

Technical Tools

SFB 1252 Resources

Questions? Contact the workshop organizers or visit our contributing guidelines.