Using the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) as an Assignment

Are you looking for a new way for students to effectively communicate their research? Elizabeth Fife, Viterbi School of Engineering, describes how the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentation format challenges students to share their research in a concise and engaging manner and prepares them for future academic presentations, conferences, and job interviews. Find out how in the latest What a Great Teaching Idea.

Professor Fife is a Nominee of the USC Associates Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2021.

Watch this 2-minute video and scroll down for the full interview, plus tips for implementing this kind of activity in your course!

Read more about this approach in Elizabeth’s own words:

Read more about this approach in Elizabeth’s own words:


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Tips from CET

Steps to implement the Three Minute Thesis :

  1. Visit online resources such as The Three Minute Thesis website to identify resources for a 3MT assignment, for example the rubric “scoring” sheet.
  2. Determine logistics for your class 3MT including time limits, number and format of slides, schedule, and virtual or in person presentations.
  3. Provide clear instructions to students about how to develop and submit their title, slides, and abstract summarizing the project. Encourage students to view examples of previous 3MT.
  4. Offer opportunities for students to receive and provide peer-feedback as they develop and practice their 3MT.
  5. Consider recording the 3MT presentations and make them available to students for their social media and professional portfolios.
  6. Consider judging the 3MT as a competition and award digital badges.
  7. Provide feedback to students individually or offer whole class feedback.

References

Hu, G., & Liu, Y. (2018). Three minute thesis presentations as an academic genre: A cross-disciplinary study of genre moves. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 35, 16–30. (USC Libraries Link).

Hyland, K., & Zou, H. (2022). Pithy Persuasion: Engagement in 3 Minute Thesis Presentations. Applied Linguistics, 43(1), 21–44. (USC Libraries Link).

The Three Minute Thesis. Three Minute Thesis – University of Queensland. (n.d.).

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