Monday, June 23, 2025 — At the end of the semester, students enrolled in i3L’s Scientific Writing & Presentation Skills course had the opportunity to present their research projects in a poster symposium—an event designed to mirror real academic conferences and serve as their final exam. Held on campus, the session showcased not only the students’ hard work but also the confidence and communication skills they had developed throughout the course.

Throughout the semester, students went through a rigorous but rewarding process. The course began by laying down the foundation of research writing—starting from how to structure a scientific paper, conduct literature reviews, and formulate a research question. As the weeks progressed, students refined their drafts through discussions, peer reviews, and feedback sessions, gradually building towards their final poster presentation.

Guided by lecturers Mr. Andamar, Mr. Arli, and Ms. Amanda, the course was designed to be more than just a writing exercise. The instructors placed equal importance on presentation skills, scientific thinking, and clarity in visual communication. By the time the final presentation arrived, students were not only ready with their posters—they were also prepared to engage, explain, and defend their work, just like in a real academic setting.

The poster symposium itself gave students the chance to experience what it’s like to present in front of an audience, with all the nuances that come with it: from designing an eye-catching poster to delivering their presentation confidently and responding to questions. During the evaluation, lecturers looked at how well students understood their material, how clearly they communicated their findings, and even how they used body language to engage the audience.

This year’s symposium featured a variety of engaging and well-executed topics. Each student brought something unique to the table, and all managed to meet the academic expectations of the course—demonstrating both creativity and critical thinking. Beyond writing, the course aimed to nurture a wide range of skills, including public speaking, collaboration, visual design, and scientific reasoning. These are all essential for students as they move forward in their academic and professional careers.

In the end, the goal of this course—and the poster symposium in particular—was to help students become more confident and capable in taking on real-life research projects. Judging from the quality of the presentations and the energy in the room, that goal was well on its way to being achieved.