It’s the biggest project of the year but for students who take this Introduction to Communications class, it’s one of the most valuable learning experiences they will have in middle school. “We learn different types of speeches such as an expert speech, informative speech, demonstration speech, and celebration speech,” explained English/Language Arts Teacher Sheila Ogden. “The point of this speech is to help them create a persuasive presentation.”
And where best to make a persuasive, or pitch speech, than in the Cuyahoga Heights Middle School Shark Tank?
Ogden begins the project by placing the students in groups of four and tasking them with creating a product or service that will solve a common problem in society. They also have to ask for a certain amount of money and make sure they have a plan for building their business. “They come up with some really great solutions,” said Ogden, who also requires them to provide some type of visual, such as a drawing or a model.” Then, the students present their idea to the "sharks" which typically are teachers and administrators.
Ogden says she has done this project every quarter for the past three years and, “It's always the students' favorite thing that we do.” Not only does it help students learn how to create a presentation to persuade others to invest in their idea, but it also challenges them to work with others and to compromise and collaborate. “It is amazing to see their growth with just this project alone,” said Ogden. “At first, they are worried about the sharks coming in and they feel the challenges of working with other students who may not be their closest pals. But then, they come out on the other side more mature and proud of having gone through the process.”