Presentation
STAT 8670 | Fall 2026
Presentation date and time: TBA
Format: In-class oral presentation; no file submission
Time limit: TBA, after groups are finalized
Total: 10 points (10% of the course grade)
Group size: 1-3 students
Present the statistical method your group implemented in R or Python. Help classmates understand the problem, the main computational idea, the evidence that the method works, and a limitation. Use the same project and submitted package version as your report and package.
What to present
Organize the presentation around this sequence:
- Problem and motivation. Start with a concrete statistical question and explain why someone would use your method.
- Method. Define the key assumptions, inputs, and outputs. Explain the main algorithm in words or with a small worked example. Define the objective and constraints if your method involves optimization.
- Implementation. Identify the main functions your group wrote and one important computational choice, such as a stopping criterion, a tuning parameter, or numerical stabilization.
- Package example. Walk classmates through a small input, the function call, its output, and what the result means. A verbal explanation is sufficient; a live demonstration is optional.
- Results. Explain the main comparison from your report using relevant numerical results. Discuss accuracy and computing time, including what changes between the experimental settings.
- Conclusion. State the main finding, a limitation or failure case, and one possible extension. Finish with a clear take-home message and be ready for questions.
For groups of 2 or 3, every member must speak and explain a substantive part of the work. Plan the transitions and rehearse together within the announced time limit. Every member should understand the central method and results and be prepared to answer questions. Individual projects follow the same content requirements and rubric.
Oral presentation format
Begin by introducing the project and all group members. Explain the work at a level classmates who have taken STAT 8670 can follow, and leave time for questions within the announced time limit.
Slides are optional. No slides or other presentation files need to be submitted. The assessment is based on your oral explanation and discussion.
Presentation grading [10]
The presentation is assessed as clarity and delivery [4], organization and communication [3], and technical depth and application [3].
| Criterion | Full-credit evidence | Points |
|---|---|---|
| S1. Clear explanation | The problem, method, and main finding are explained accurately at a level classmates can follow. | 2 |
| S2. Delivery and participation | Delivery is audible, well-paced, and within the announced time limit; every member explains a substantive part. | 1 |
| S3. Understanding and questions | The group demonstrates understanding and responds to questions with accurate reasoning. | 1 |
| S4. Organization | The talk progresses logically from motivation to method, implementation, results, and conclusion. | 1 |
| S5. Accessible language | Key terms are defined, and explanations connect the statistical ideas to the project question. | 1 |
| S6. Communication of results | The main findings and their practical meaning are highlighted, with relevant numerical evidence. | 1 |
| S7. Implementation insight | The group explains the main computational steps and an important implementation choice. | 1 |
| S8. Worked example | A verbal walkthrough explains a small input, a package call, its output, and interpretation. | 1 |
| S9. Critical discussion | The conclusion identifies a supported finding, a limitation, and a useful extension. | 1 |
| Total | 10 |
Partial credit is available in 0.5-point increments for partially demonstrated criteria. Missing or substantially incorrect evidence receives zero for the relevant criterion. A missing presentation receives 0/10. Slides are not required to earn full credit. The report and package are graded separately.
Present in class on the announced date. Presentation order, date, time, and duration are TBA and will be announced after groups are finalized.
Related: Instruction | Report requirements and grading | Package requirements and grading