Change of plans!

(again!)

(I'm sorry!)

• Two things have become apparent to me:
  1. People are in super different places with their research proposals.
     • Some people have the project basically mapped out. Others are just starting to meet with their advisor.
       • I take at least some responsibility for this -- I matched you with your advisors late!
  2. People would really like a chance to get to know one another more.
     • You guys will be working with one another for the next year and should feel like a cohort of people working toward similar goals. I want to facilitate this!

• It seems to me that both goals might be met by moving away from a formal presentation toward a more low-key, ungraded "PowerPoint party" where everyone discusses where they currently are with their project.
• New rules:
  • Instead of giving a presentation that looks like a research proposal, each person will talk for five minutes at their appointed time. 
    • I would like you to try to have something to present, but you can remain seated.
    • The thing you present can literally just be 3 slides about your general research idea, including open questions and barriers to progress.
      • Or it could be a polished presentation. Totally up to you.
    • After you're done, everyone will have five minutes to ask you questions about the project and, if relevant, offer advice.
    • There will be some food. TBD.

• It seems to me that both goals might be met by moving away from a formal presentation toward a more low-key, ungraded "PowerPoint party" where everyone discusses where they currently are with their project.
• More rules:
  • The proposal is still due on May 9.
    • In other words, we're still expecting you to finish the semester in the exact same place as before: with a full (if provisional) understanding of what you'll be doing next year.
    • If anyone wants to give a full presentation and get some feedback, I am available.
  • The presentation itself is completely ungraded. Everyone will just get full credit for the assignment if they do it.
  • I am asking you to all engage fully with what your colleagues have to say -- this only works if we all genuinely care about what other people are doing.