Value systems in cross-cultural perspective essay example

The group presentation is about “ International Studies”. The presentation started with a trivia that stated that “ the U. S. is one of the only developed countries with a current generation less educated than the previous”. The group decided to put this trivia at the start of the presentation to capture the audience’s attention right from the beginning. It proved to be effective because most of the students were quite surprised with the information and it made them interested on the topic the group will delve on. After the trivia, the group noticed that the audience was very attentive and eager to know more about the topic.
One believes that the discussion went well. The message that the group wants to convey was imparted to the audience in a clear and concise manner. From the slideshow, the audience can ascertain that the information being given was well-researched. The statistics included in the lecture gave credence to the discussion. The graphical presentations helped the audience understand better the information which the group wants to convey. The flow of the presentation went smoothly. The discussion did not digress on the main topic. Most of the data needed that supports the main thesis of the presentation were offered to the audience. Each part of the presentation is relevant and was expounded well by the group. In spite of some numerical figures and graphs shown, the audience did not seem bored from the facts. There was no overload of statistics. Whatever statistics shown was significant and contributed to the validity of the information.
One of the sections included in the presentation is the topic on U. S. policies which encourage the immigration of students from other countries. The audience welcomed this topic because they have little or no knowledge about these policies. It was a new learning for them. It made them realize why there are a lot of foreign students studying in the U. S.
The audience agreed with the group when the PowerPoint presentation showed that the financial consideration is the biggest hindrance to education. They were surprised at the data showing the rise in tuition fees from 2008 to 2010. They realized the importance of the government support for education through funding. Some questioned why the government is allowing so many foreign students. They felt that it was eating up the government’s budget for the education of the American citizens.
If there was one thing that the group would do differently, it would be to allot more time for answering the questions of the audience. One felt that there was not enough time for the question and answer portion of the presentation.
The conclusion at the end of the discussion elicited various reactions from the audience. Some agreed with the group while others opposed. Others believed that international students benefit from America but America does not benefit from them. They think that these foreign students should really be allowed to stay in America because they have a “ debt” to pay. They argue that it is just proper to let them stay so that they can also contribute to the U. S. economy. On the other hand, some group from the audience felt that international students should leave the country after studying because they compete in the labor market. They felt that Americans should get priority for the jobs available in the country. These diverse opinions of the audience were welcomed by the group. They were pleased with the free flow and exchange of ideas. It made the presentation more interesting.
The group presentation went well largely because of the cooperation among the group members. Each member of the group contributed to the presentation. Each one was enthusiastic to do research on the topic. After doing the necessary research and data gathering, the group met and discussed the significant points that must be included in the PowerPoint presentation. Everyone agreed that there is a need to show some quantitative data to drive the point that the group wish to convey. At first the group was hesitant to include some graphs and figures but ultimately the group decided that including them in the presentation will make the group’s message more convincing.
Another thing that one appreciated from the group presentation is that one also gained from the interaction with the audience. Their views and opinions widened one’s perspective. Some of the questions posed by the audience made one think more deeply about the issues on hand.
Overall, one believes that the presentation went well, judging from the reaction of the students. An actively participating audience is a proof of this. Although some of their reactions were unexpected, the group still viewed this as very positive.