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What is the “chalk talk†at job interviews?
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It was only recently that I heard about the academic "chalk talk" at job interviews (from biologist friends). As I understand, this is a closed-doors talk the applicant must give to the existing faculty. I was shocked that even through I am preparing to apply for faculty positions, I never heard of this practice before.
So my questions are:
- What is this "chalk talk", and how common is it at job interviews?
- Is it specific to biology, or at to least experimental fields? Almost all the information I can find about it online is focused on biomedical sciences (and the few articles that don't, still assume an experimental field). Perhaps the concept exists in other fields too but people use a different term than "chalk talk" to describe it?
- My work is in one of the hard sciences and is purely theoretical. What are the main differences between experimental and theoretical (mathematically oriented) fields in how this chalk talk is given? Since most of the online advice I found concerned biology, I need to decide how much of it is relevant to me.
Update:
Many of the comments (and one answer) show that several people have completely misunderstood my question. I would like to emphasize once again that the question is about the specific part of faculty position job interviews referred to as "chalk talks". In the meantime, I found a hint that this concept might be specific to life sciences. My question is not about lecturing techniques with white- or blackboards, nor about why this part of the interview is called a "chalk talk" (i.e. etymology).
It's about what this part of the interview is about, which fields have this as part of the job interview protocol, and what differences are there between biology and theoretical (math/physics) fields (i.e. what part of advice given by/for biologists should I take or ignore).
Here is an example of a blog post discussing interview chalk talks.
united-states job-search interview europe
asked 3 hours ago
Laure
262
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It was only recently that I heard about the academic "chalk talk" at job interviews (from biologist friends). As I understand, this is a closed-doors talk the applicant must give to the existing faculty. I was shocked that even through I am preparing to apply for faculty positions, I never heard of this practice before.
So my questions are:
- What is this "chalk talk", and how common is it at job interviews?
- Is it specific to biology, or at to least experimental fields? Almost all the information I can find about it online is focused on biomedical sciences (and the few articles that don't, still assume an experimental field). Perhaps the concept exists in other fields too but people use a different term than "chalk talk" to describe it?
- My work is in one of the hard sciences and is purely theoretical. What are the main differences between experimental and theoretical (mathematically oriented) fields in how this chalk talk is given? Since most of the online advice I found concerned biology, I need to decide how much of it is relevant to me.
Update:
Many of the comments (and one answer) show that several people have completely misunderstood my question. I would like to emphasize once again that the question is about the specific part of faculty position job interviews referred to as "chalk talks". In the meantime, I found a hint that this concept might be specific to life sciences. My question is not about lecturing techniques with white- or blackboards, nor about why this part of the interview is called a "chalk talk" (i.e. etymology).
It's about what this part of the interview is about, which fields have this as part of the job interview protocol, and what differences are there between biology and theoretical (math/physics) fields (i.e. what part of advice given by/for biologists should I take or ignore).
Here is an example of a blog post discussing interview chalk talks.
united-states job-search interview europe
asked 3 hours ago
Laure
262
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Laure is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Could you add a country tag? The hiring procedure varies significantly between countries. In Germany in math we always have a scientific presentation (like a seminar talk) as part of the job interview but this is not closed door and not necessarily on the blackboard.
– Dirk
3 hours ago
@Dirk I'm interested in answers for any European country, the USA, or any other culturally similar countries you might expect people to also apply to.
– Laure
3 hours ago
I would guess -- and it is only a guess -- that a chalk talk is a talk given in front of a white board (historically in front of a chalk board, hence, the name), where the speaker is expected to show something on the white board
– user2768
2 hours ago
1
@user2768 I don't see why you talk about history. I had job interviews in front of a chalk board a few months ago.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
1
@SolarMike They smell so good...
– user2768
1 hour ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
It was only recently that I heard about the academic "chalk talk" at job interviews (from biologist friends). As I understand, this is a closed-doors talk the applicant must give to the existing faculty. I was shocked that even through I am preparing to apply for faculty positions, I never heard of this practice before.
So my questions are:
- What is this "chalk talk", and how common is it at job interviews?
- Is it specific to biology, or at to least experimental fields? Almost all the information I can find about it online is focused on biomedical sciences (and the few articles that don't, still assume an experimental field). Perhaps the concept exists in other fields too but people use a different term than "chalk talk" to describe it?
- My work is in one of the hard sciences and is purely theoretical. What are the main differences between experimental and theoretical (mathematically oriented) fields in how this chalk talk is given? Since most of the online advice I found concerned biology, I need to decide how much of it is relevant to me.
Update:
Many of the comments (and one answer) show that several people have completely misunderstood my question. I would like to emphasize once again that the question is about the specific part of faculty position job interviews referred to as "chalk talks". In the meantime, I found a hint that this concept might be specific to life sciences. My question is not about lecturing techniques with white- or blackboards, nor about why this part of the interview is called a "chalk talk" (i.e. etymology).
It's about what this part of the interview is about, which fields have this as part of the job interview protocol, and what differences are there between biology and theoretical (math/physics) fields (i.e. what part of advice given by/for biologists should I take or ignore).
Here is an example of a blog post discussing interview chalk talks.
united-states job-search interview europe
asked 3 hours ago
Laure
262
New contributor
Laure is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
It was only recently that I heard about the academic "chalk talk" at job interviews (from biologist friends). As I understand, this is a closed-doors talk the applicant must give to the existing faculty. I was shocked that even through I am preparing to apply for faculty positions, I never heard of this practice before.
So my questions are:
- What is this "chalk talk", and how common is it at job interviews?
- Is it specific to biology, or at to least experimental fields? Almost all the information I can find about it online is focused on biomedical sciences (and the few articles that don't, still assume an experimental field). Perhaps the concept exists in other fields too but people use a different term than "chalk talk" to describe it?
- My work is in one of the hard sciences and is purely theoretical. What are the main differences between experimental and theoretical (mathematically oriented) fields in how this chalk talk is given? Since most of the online advice I found concerned biology, I need to decide how much of it is relevant to me.
Update:
Many of the comments (and one answer) show that several people have completely misunderstood my question. I would like to emphasize once again that the question is about the specific part of faculty position job interviews referred to as "chalk talks". In the meantime, I found a hint that this concept might be specific to life sciences. My question is not about lecturing techniques with white- or blackboards, nor about why this part of the interview is called a "chalk talk" (i.e. etymology).
It's about what this part of the interview is about, which fields have this as part of the job interview protocol, and what differences are there between biology and theoretical (math/physics) fields (i.e. what part of advice given by/for biologists should I take or ignore).
Here is an example of a blog post discussing interview chalk talks.
united-states job-search interview europe
united-states job-search interview europe
asked 3 hours ago
Laure
262
New contributor
Laure is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 3 hours ago
Laure
262
New contributor
Laure is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 1 hour ago
asked 3 hours ago
Laure
262
New contributor
Laure is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 3 hours ago
Laure
262
asked 3 hours ago
Laure
262
262
New contributor
Laure is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Laure is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Laure is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Could you add a country tag? The hiring procedure varies significantly between countries. In Germany in math we always have a scientific presentation (like a seminar talk) as part of the job interview but this is not closed door and not necessarily on the blackboard.
– Dirk
3 hours ago
@Dirk I'm interested in answers for any European country, the USA, or any other culturally similar countries you might expect people to also apply to.
– Laure
3 hours ago
I would guess -- and it is only a guess -- that a chalk talk is a talk given in front of a white board (historically in front of a chalk board, hence, the name), where the speaker is expected to show something on the white board
– user2768
2 hours ago
1
@user2768 I don't see why you talk about history. I had job interviews in front of a chalk board a few months ago.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
1
@SolarMike They smell so good...
– user2768
1 hour ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
Could you add a country tag? The hiring procedure varies significantly between countries. In Germany in math we always have a scientific presentation (like a seminar talk) as part of the job interview but this is not closed door and not necessarily on the blackboard.
– Dirk
3 hours ago
@Dirk I'm interested in answers for any European country, the USA, or any other culturally similar countries you might expect people to also apply to.
– Laure
3 hours ago
I would guess -- and it is only a guess -- that a chalk talk is a talk given in front of a white board (historically in front of a chalk board, hence, the name), where the speaker is expected to show something on the white board
– user2768
2 hours ago
1
@user2768 I don't see why you talk about history. I had job interviews in front of a chalk board a few months ago.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
1
@SolarMike They smell so good...
– user2768
1 hour ago
Could you add a country tag? The hiring procedure varies significantly between countries. In Germany in math we always have a scientific presentation (like a seminar talk) as part of the job interview but this is not closed door and not necessarily on the blackboard.
– Dirk
3 hours ago
Could you add a country tag? The hiring procedure varies significantly between countries. In Germany in math we always have a scientific presentation (like a seminar talk) as part of the job interview but this is not closed door and not necessarily on the blackboard.
– Dirk
3 hours ago
@Dirk I'm interested in answers for any European country, the USA, or any other culturally similar countries you might expect people to also apply to.
– Laure
3 hours ago
@Dirk I'm interested in answers for any European country, the USA, or any other culturally similar countries you might expect people to also apply to.
– Laure
3 hours ago
I would guess -- and it is only a guess -- that a chalk talk is a talk given in front of a white board (historically in front of a chalk board, hence, the name), where the speaker is expected to show something on the white board
– user2768
2 hours ago
I would guess -- and it is only a guess -- that a chalk talk is a talk given in front of a white board (historically in front of a chalk board, hence, the name), where the speaker is expected to show something on the white board
– user2768
2 hours ago
1
1
@user2768 I don't see why you talk about history. I had job interviews in front of a chalk board a few months ago.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
@user2768 I don't see why you talk about history. I had job interviews in front of a chalk board a few months ago.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
1
1
@SolarMike They smell so good...
– user2768
1 hour ago
@SolarMike They smell so good...
– user2768
1 hour ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
4 Answers
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I can't comment on how common this is outside of biomedical sciences (my field), but it's becoming quite common in this field.
In terms of what it is, the "Chalk Talk" is a chance for you to talk about your research (past, current, and future directions) without hiding behind Powerpoint slides.
You'll typically be given up to an hour to do this, in front of the hiring committee and/or faculty. You'll have a whiteboard/blackboard/flip-chart so you can draw down a key figure or two, or write an outline of what you're speaking about. It's less formal than a normal talk at a job interview - if you are asked to do one, expect to be interrupted and questioned throughout.
There are many reasons these are becoming popular. It's easy for candidates to talk through a deck of slides they've had weeks to prepare, and the hiring committee doesn't necessarily learn that much about them as people or scientists. This is more dynamic - it lets you see how people think on their feet - and gives a real opportunity for people to display their passion. It's daunting to speak for an hour with no props or prompts, but a good academic who knows their field, has a clear research plan, and cares about their work should be able to do this.
Source - personal experience (I have been on training courses specifically about giving chalk talks in faculty interviews, albeit in a different field).
answered 14 mins ago
JennyG
312
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JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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up vote
2
down vote
The hiring process in different countries vary quite a lot. However, once you get an invitation to a job-interview, you can expect that institution will tell you what you should prepare. In case you are unsure, just ask your contact person the institution. And there are many things that are not standardized and it should be clear that an applicant can have quite a lot of questions (Who is going to attend the scientific talk? Will there be a demonstration of your teaching skills? Will there be students? Will there be a meeting with the dean/students/…? Do you have to prepare any additional documents in advance?)
answered 2 hours ago
Dirk
30.8k577126
What I am confused about is that it was suggested to me that this "chalk talk" is a standard thing that I should expect to do at most institutions, and it should roughly happen in the same way. Your answer suggests that it might not be so.
– Laure
2 hours ago
@Laure The person who suggested this to you may not even be aware that practices vary between institutions/countries. However, it is almost universal that there will be some kind of job interview with a committee, and the most practical way of presenting information to several people at once is to write it on a board or project it.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
"Chalk & talk" is a way of explaining / defining a "classic" teaching method, that of writing on the chalkboard (whiteboard most likely now) and explaining as you go.
It was associated with the phrase "when you see board, don't talk" ie if you are looking at the chalk board then stop talking- only talk when facing the students...
Now, with slides, flipped classrooms etc it may not be as current...
answered 2 hours ago
Solar Mike
8,93432038
3
This does not seem to be related to what the OP is asking about.
– Tobias Kildetoft
2 hours ago
1
Thank you for the comment Solar Mike. What I am interested in is the specific part of job interviews referred to as "chalk talks" (not using the board for lectures/presentations in general), and whether these are specific to biomedical fields or are common e.g. on math/physics as well. In the meantime I found out that the concept does seem to be specific to biology, which would explain why some people here are just as confused about it as I was.
– Laure
1 hour ago
1
@user2768 The term "chalk talk" refers to a talk in which you use a chalk board. The term "chalk and talk" as explained here is about a certain principle when doing such a talk that one should not do both at once. These are only related in the weakest sense, and knowing what "chalk and talk" refers to is useless in knowing what a "chalk talk" is.
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
1
@Laure well, As I have been interviewed in the past in the engineering / teaching field, I can tell you that doing a "chalk/talk" was also part of the process - it is not necessarily limited to any field, but a recognized method of evaluating your teaching methods / skills... Perhaps the person(s) who came up with that graphic are not exactly aware of all that happens in other disciplines...
– Solar Mike
1 hour ago
2
@user2768 Exactly. One is a type of talk, the other is a teaching principle (which happens to apply to giving good chalk talks).
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
 |Â
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0
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Another aspect of "chalk talk", in mathematics, in the U.S., is in contrast to pre-prepared talks with overheads/slides/powerpoint/whatever. That is, a "chalk talk" is much more "live", than a pre-recorded powerpoint talk, and, therefore, can show much more of the speaker's grip on the material. This sort of talk can also be expected to accommodate audience questions, which is another sort of "test".
answered 15 mins ago
paul garrett
48.4k489202
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
3
down vote
I can't comment on how common this is outside of biomedical sciences (my field), but it's becoming quite common in this field.
In terms of what it is, the "Chalk Talk" is a chance for you to talk about your research (past, current, and future directions) without hiding behind Powerpoint slides.
You'll typically be given up to an hour to do this, in front of the hiring committee and/or faculty. You'll have a whiteboard/blackboard/flip-chart so you can draw down a key figure or two, or write an outline of what you're speaking about. It's less formal than a normal talk at a job interview - if you are asked to do one, expect to be interrupted and questioned throughout.
There are many reasons these are becoming popular. It's easy for candidates to talk through a deck of slides they've had weeks to prepare, and the hiring committee doesn't necessarily learn that much about them as people or scientists. This is more dynamic - it lets you see how people think on their feet - and gives a real opportunity for people to display their passion. It's daunting to speak for an hour with no props or prompts, but a good academic who knows their field, has a clear research plan, and cares about their work should be able to do this.
Source - personal experience (I have been on training courses specifically about giving chalk talks in faculty interviews, albeit in a different field).
answered 14 mins ago
JennyG
312
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JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
I can't comment on how common this is outside of biomedical sciences (my field), but it's becoming quite common in this field.
In terms of what it is, the "Chalk Talk" is a chance for you to talk about your research (past, current, and future directions) without hiding behind Powerpoint slides.
You'll typically be given up to an hour to do this, in front of the hiring committee and/or faculty. You'll have a whiteboard/blackboard/flip-chart so you can draw down a key figure or two, or write an outline of what you're speaking about. It's less formal than a normal talk at a job interview - if you are asked to do one, expect to be interrupted and questioned throughout.
There are many reasons these are becoming popular. It's easy for candidates to talk through a deck of slides they've had weeks to prepare, and the hiring committee doesn't necessarily learn that much about them as people or scientists. This is more dynamic - it lets you see how people think on their feet - and gives a real opportunity for people to display their passion. It's daunting to speak for an hour with no props or prompts, but a good academic who knows their field, has a clear research plan, and cares about their work should be able to do this.
Source - personal experience (I have been on training courses specifically about giving chalk talks in faculty interviews, albeit in a different field).
answered 14 mins ago
JennyG
312
New contributor
JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
I can't comment on how common this is outside of biomedical sciences (my field), but it's becoming quite common in this field.
In terms of what it is, the "Chalk Talk" is a chance for you to talk about your research (past, current, and future directions) without hiding behind Powerpoint slides.
You'll typically be given up to an hour to do this, in front of the hiring committee and/or faculty. You'll have a whiteboard/blackboard/flip-chart so you can draw down a key figure or two, or write an outline of what you're speaking about. It's less formal than a normal talk at a job interview - if you are asked to do one, expect to be interrupted and questioned throughout.
There are many reasons these are becoming popular. It's easy for candidates to talk through a deck of slides they've had weeks to prepare, and the hiring committee doesn't necessarily learn that much about them as people or scientists. This is more dynamic - it lets you see how people think on their feet - and gives a real opportunity for people to display their passion. It's daunting to speak for an hour with no props or prompts, but a good academic who knows their field, has a clear research plan, and cares about their work should be able to do this.
Source - personal experience (I have been on training courses specifically about giving chalk talks in faculty interviews, albeit in a different field).
answered 14 mins ago
JennyG
312
New contributor
JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I can't comment on how common this is outside of biomedical sciences (my field), but it's becoming quite common in this field.
In terms of what it is, the "Chalk Talk" is a chance for you to talk about your research (past, current, and future directions) without hiding behind Powerpoint slides.
You'll typically be given up to an hour to do this, in front of the hiring committee and/or faculty. You'll have a whiteboard/blackboard/flip-chart so you can draw down a key figure or two, or write an outline of what you're speaking about. It's less formal than a normal talk at a job interview - if you are asked to do one, expect to be interrupted and questioned throughout.
There are many reasons these are becoming popular. It's easy for candidates to talk through a deck of slides they've had weeks to prepare, and the hiring committee doesn't necessarily learn that much about them as people or scientists. This is more dynamic - it lets you see how people think on their feet - and gives a real opportunity for people to display their passion. It's daunting to speak for an hour with no props or prompts, but a good academic who knows their field, has a clear research plan, and cares about their work should be able to do this.
Source - personal experience (I have been on training courses specifically about giving chalk talks in faculty interviews, albeit in a different field).
answered 14 mins ago
JennyG
312
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JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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answered 14 mins ago
JennyG
312
New contributor
JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 14 mins ago
JennyG
312
answered 14 mins ago
JennyG
312
312
New contributor
JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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New contributor
JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
JennyG is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
The hiring process in different countries vary quite a lot. However, once you get an invitation to a job-interview, you can expect that institution will tell you what you should prepare. In case you are unsure, just ask your contact person the institution. And there are many things that are not standardized and it should be clear that an applicant can have quite a lot of questions (Who is going to attend the scientific talk? Will there be a demonstration of your teaching skills? Will there be students? Will there be a meeting with the dean/students/…? Do you have to prepare any additional documents in advance?)
answered 2 hours ago
Dirk
30.8k577126
What I am confused about is that it was suggested to me that this "chalk talk" is a standard thing that I should expect to do at most institutions, and it should roughly happen in the same way. Your answer suggests that it might not be so.
– Laure
2 hours ago
@Laure The person who suggested this to you may not even be aware that practices vary between institutions/countries. However, it is almost universal that there will be some kind of job interview with a committee, and the most practical way of presenting information to several people at once is to write it on a board or project it.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
The hiring process in different countries vary quite a lot. However, once you get an invitation to a job-interview, you can expect that institution will tell you what you should prepare. In case you are unsure, just ask your contact person the institution. And there are many things that are not standardized and it should be clear that an applicant can have quite a lot of questions (Who is going to attend the scientific talk? Will there be a demonstration of your teaching skills? Will there be students? Will there be a meeting with the dean/students/…? Do you have to prepare any additional documents in advance?)
answered 2 hours ago
Dirk
30.8k577126
What I am confused about is that it was suggested to me that this "chalk talk" is a standard thing that I should expect to do at most institutions, and it should roughly happen in the same way. Your answer suggests that it might not be so.
– Laure
2 hours ago
@Laure The person who suggested this to you may not even be aware that practices vary between institutions/countries. However, it is almost universal that there will be some kind of job interview with a committee, and the most practical way of presenting information to several people at once is to write it on a board or project it.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
The hiring process in different countries vary quite a lot. However, once you get an invitation to a job-interview, you can expect that institution will tell you what you should prepare. In case you are unsure, just ask your contact person the institution. And there are many things that are not standardized and it should be clear that an applicant can have quite a lot of questions (Who is going to attend the scientific talk? Will there be a demonstration of your teaching skills? Will there be students? Will there be a meeting with the dean/students/…? Do you have to prepare any additional documents in advance?)
answered 2 hours ago
Dirk
30.8k577126
The hiring process in different countries vary quite a lot. However, once you get an invitation to a job-interview, you can expect that institution will tell you what you should prepare. In case you are unsure, just ask your contact person the institution. And there are many things that are not standardized and it should be clear that an applicant can have quite a lot of questions (Who is going to attend the scientific talk? Will there be a demonstration of your teaching skills? Will there be students? Will there be a meeting with the dean/students/…? Do you have to prepare any additional documents in advance?)
answered 2 hours ago
Dirk
30.8k577126
answered 2 hours ago
Dirk
30.8k577126
answered 2 hours ago
Dirk
30.8k577126
answered 2 hours ago
Dirk
30.8k577126
30.8k577126
What I am confused about is that it was suggested to me that this "chalk talk" is a standard thing that I should expect to do at most institutions, and it should roughly happen in the same way. Your answer suggests that it might not be so.
– Laure
2 hours ago
@Laure The person who suggested this to you may not even be aware that practices vary between institutions/countries. However, it is almost universal that there will be some kind of job interview with a committee, and the most practical way of presenting information to several people at once is to write it on a board or project it.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
What I am confused about is that it was suggested to me that this "chalk talk" is a standard thing that I should expect to do at most institutions, and it should roughly happen in the same way. Your answer suggests that it might not be so.
– Laure
2 hours ago
@Laure The person who suggested this to you may not even be aware that practices vary between institutions/countries. However, it is almost universal that there will be some kind of job interview with a committee, and the most practical way of presenting information to several people at once is to write it on a board or project it.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
What I am confused about is that it was suggested to me that this "chalk talk" is a standard thing that I should expect to do at most institutions, and it should roughly happen in the same way. Your answer suggests that it might not be so.
– Laure
2 hours ago
What I am confused about is that it was suggested to me that this "chalk talk" is a standard thing that I should expect to do at most institutions, and it should roughly happen in the same way. Your answer suggests that it might not be so.
– Laure
2 hours ago
@Laure The person who suggested this to you may not even be aware that practices vary between institutions/countries. However, it is almost universal that there will be some kind of job interview with a committee, and the most practical way of presenting information to several people at once is to write it on a board or project it.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
@Laure The person who suggested this to you may not even be aware that practices vary between institutions/countries. However, it is almost universal that there will be some kind of job interview with a committee, and the most practical way of presenting information to several people at once is to write it on a board or project it.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
"Chalk & talk" is a way of explaining / defining a "classic" teaching method, that of writing on the chalkboard (whiteboard most likely now) and explaining as you go.
It was associated with the phrase "when you see board, don't talk" ie if you are looking at the chalk board then stop talking- only talk when facing the students...
Now, with slides, flipped classrooms etc it may not be as current...
answered 2 hours ago
Solar Mike
8,93432038
3
This does not seem to be related to what the OP is asking about.
– Tobias Kildetoft
2 hours ago
1
Thank you for the comment Solar Mike. What I am interested in is the specific part of job interviews referred to as "chalk talks" (not using the board for lectures/presentations in general), and whether these are specific to biomedical fields or are common e.g. on math/physics as well. In the meantime I found out that the concept does seem to be specific to biology, which would explain why some people here are just as confused about it as I was.
– Laure
1 hour ago
1
@user2768 The term "chalk talk" refers to a talk in which you use a chalk board. The term "chalk and talk" as explained here is about a certain principle when doing such a talk that one should not do both at once. These are only related in the weakest sense, and knowing what "chalk and talk" refers to is useless in knowing what a "chalk talk" is.
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
1
@Laure well, As I have been interviewed in the past in the engineering / teaching field, I can tell you that doing a "chalk/talk" was also part of the process - it is not necessarily limited to any field, but a recognized method of evaluating your teaching methods / skills... Perhaps the person(s) who came up with that graphic are not exactly aware of all that happens in other disciplines...
– Solar Mike
1 hour ago
2
@user2768 Exactly. One is a type of talk, the other is a teaching principle (which happens to apply to giving good chalk talks).
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
0
down vote
"Chalk & talk" is a way of explaining / defining a "classic" teaching method, that of writing on the chalkboard (whiteboard most likely now) and explaining as you go.
It was associated with the phrase "when you see board, don't talk" ie if you are looking at the chalk board then stop talking- only talk when facing the students...
Now, with slides, flipped classrooms etc it may not be as current...
answered 2 hours ago
Solar Mike
8,93432038
3
This does not seem to be related to what the OP is asking about.
– Tobias Kildetoft
2 hours ago
1
Thank you for the comment Solar Mike. What I am interested in is the specific part of job interviews referred to as "chalk talks" (not using the board for lectures/presentations in general), and whether these are specific to biomedical fields or are common e.g. on math/physics as well. In the meantime I found out that the concept does seem to be specific to biology, which would explain why some people here are just as confused about it as I was.
– Laure
1 hour ago
1
@user2768 The term "chalk talk" refers to a talk in which you use a chalk board. The term "chalk and talk" as explained here is about a certain principle when doing such a talk that one should not do both at once. These are only related in the weakest sense, and knowing what "chalk and talk" refers to is useless in knowing what a "chalk talk" is.
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
1
@Laure well, As I have been interviewed in the past in the engineering / teaching field, I can tell you that doing a "chalk/talk" was also part of the process - it is not necessarily limited to any field, but a recognized method of evaluating your teaching methods / skills... Perhaps the person(s) who came up with that graphic are not exactly aware of all that happens in other disciplines...
– Solar Mike
1 hour ago
2
@user2768 Exactly. One is a type of talk, the other is a teaching principle (which happens to apply to giving good chalk talks).
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
"Chalk & talk" is a way of explaining / defining a "classic" teaching method, that of writing on the chalkboard (whiteboard most likely now) and explaining as you go.
It was associated with the phrase "when you see board, don't talk" ie if you are looking at the chalk board then stop talking- only talk when facing the students...
Now, with slides, flipped classrooms etc it may not be as current...
answered 2 hours ago
Solar Mike
8,93432038
"Chalk & talk" is a way of explaining / defining a "classic" teaching method, that of writing on the chalkboard (whiteboard most likely now) and explaining as you go.
It was associated with the phrase "when you see board, don't talk" ie if you are looking at the chalk board then stop talking- only talk when facing the students...
Now, with slides, flipped classrooms etc it may not be as current...
answered 2 hours ago
Solar Mike
8,93432038
answered 2 hours ago
Solar Mike
8,93432038
answered 2 hours ago
Solar Mike
8,93432038
answered 2 hours ago
Solar Mike
8,93432038
8,93432038
3
This does not seem to be related to what the OP is asking about.
– Tobias Kildetoft
2 hours ago
1
Thank you for the comment Solar Mike. What I am interested in is the specific part of job interviews referred to as "chalk talks" (not using the board for lectures/presentations in general), and whether these are specific to biomedical fields or are common e.g. on math/physics as well. In the meantime I found out that the concept does seem to be specific to biology, which would explain why some people here are just as confused about it as I was.
– Laure
1 hour ago
1
@user2768 The term "chalk talk" refers to a talk in which you use a chalk board. The term "chalk and talk" as explained here is about a certain principle when doing such a talk that one should not do both at once. These are only related in the weakest sense, and knowing what "chalk and talk" refers to is useless in knowing what a "chalk talk" is.
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
1
@Laure well, As I have been interviewed in the past in the engineering / teaching field, I can tell you that doing a "chalk/talk" was also part of the process - it is not necessarily limited to any field, but a recognized method of evaluating your teaching methods / skills... Perhaps the person(s) who came up with that graphic are not exactly aware of all that happens in other disciplines...
– Solar Mike
1 hour ago
2
@user2768 Exactly. One is a type of talk, the other is a teaching principle (which happens to apply to giving good chalk talks).
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
3
This does not seem to be related to what the OP is asking about.
– Tobias Kildetoft
2 hours ago
1
Thank you for the comment Solar Mike. What I am interested in is the specific part of job interviews referred to as "chalk talks" (not using the board for lectures/presentations in general), and whether these are specific to biomedical fields or are common e.g. on math/physics as well. In the meantime I found out that the concept does seem to be specific to biology, which would explain why some people here are just as confused about it as I was.
– Laure
1 hour ago
1
@user2768 The term "chalk talk" refers to a talk in which you use a chalk board. The term "chalk and talk" as explained here is about a certain principle when doing such a talk that one should not do both at once. These are only related in the weakest sense, and knowing what "chalk and talk" refers to is useless in knowing what a "chalk talk" is.
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
1
@Laure well, As I have been interviewed in the past in the engineering / teaching field, I can tell you that doing a "chalk/talk" was also part of the process - it is not necessarily limited to any field, but a recognized method of evaluating your teaching methods / skills... Perhaps the person(s) who came up with that graphic are not exactly aware of all that happens in other disciplines...
– Solar Mike
1 hour ago
2
@user2768 Exactly. One is a type of talk, the other is a teaching principle (which happens to apply to giving good chalk talks).
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
3
3
This does not seem to be related to what the OP is asking about.
– Tobias Kildetoft
2 hours ago
This does not seem to be related to what the OP is asking about.
– Tobias Kildetoft
2 hours ago
1
1
Thank you for the comment Solar Mike. What I am interested in is the specific part of job interviews referred to as "chalk talks" (not using the board for lectures/presentations in general), and whether these are specific to biomedical fields or are common e.g. on math/physics as well. In the meantime I found out that the concept does seem to be specific to biology, which would explain why some people here are just as confused about it as I was.
– Laure
1 hour ago
Thank you for the comment Solar Mike. What I am interested in is the specific part of job interviews referred to as "chalk talks" (not using the board for lectures/presentations in general), and whether these are specific to biomedical fields or are common e.g. on math/physics as well. In the meantime I found out that the concept does seem to be specific to biology, which would explain why some people here are just as confused about it as I was.
– Laure
1 hour ago
1
1
@user2768 The term "chalk talk" refers to a talk in which you use a chalk board. The term "chalk and talk" as explained here is about a certain principle when doing such a talk that one should not do both at once. These are only related in the weakest sense, and knowing what "chalk and talk" refers to is useless in knowing what a "chalk talk" is.
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
@user2768 The term "chalk talk" refers to a talk in which you use a chalk board. The term "chalk and talk" as explained here is about a certain principle when doing such a talk that one should not do both at once. These are only related in the weakest sense, and knowing what "chalk and talk" refers to is useless in knowing what a "chalk talk" is.
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
1
1
@Laure well, As I have been interviewed in the past in the engineering / teaching field, I can tell you that doing a "chalk/talk" was also part of the process - it is not necessarily limited to any field, but a recognized method of evaluating your teaching methods / skills... Perhaps the person(s) who came up with that graphic are not exactly aware of all that happens in other disciplines...
– Solar Mike
1 hour ago
@Laure well, As I have been interviewed in the past in the engineering / teaching field, I can tell you that doing a "chalk/talk" was also part of the process - it is not necessarily limited to any field, but a recognized method of evaluating your teaching methods / skills... Perhaps the person(s) who came up with that graphic are not exactly aware of all that happens in other disciplines...
– Solar Mike
1 hour ago
2
2
@user2768 Exactly. One is a type of talk, the other is a teaching principle (which happens to apply to giving good chalk talks).
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
@user2768 Exactly. One is a type of talk, the other is a teaching principle (which happens to apply to giving good chalk talks).
– Tobias Kildetoft
1 hour ago
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
0
down vote
Another aspect of "chalk talk", in mathematics, in the U.S., is in contrast to pre-prepared talks with overheads/slides/powerpoint/whatever. That is, a "chalk talk" is much more "live", than a pre-recorded powerpoint talk, and, therefore, can show much more of the speaker's grip on the material. This sort of talk can also be expected to accommodate audience questions, which is another sort of "test".
answered 15 mins ago
paul garrett
48.4k489202
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Another aspect of "chalk talk", in mathematics, in the U.S., is in contrast to pre-prepared talks with overheads/slides/powerpoint/whatever. That is, a "chalk talk" is much more "live", than a pre-recorded powerpoint talk, and, therefore, can show much more of the speaker's grip on the material. This sort of talk can also be expected to accommodate audience questions, which is another sort of "test".
answered 15 mins ago
paul garrett
48.4k489202
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Another aspect of "chalk talk", in mathematics, in the U.S., is in contrast to pre-prepared talks with overheads/slides/powerpoint/whatever. That is, a "chalk talk" is much more "live", than a pre-recorded powerpoint talk, and, therefore, can show much more of the speaker's grip on the material. This sort of talk can also be expected to accommodate audience questions, which is another sort of "test".
answered 15 mins ago
paul garrett
48.4k489202
Another aspect of "chalk talk", in mathematics, in the U.S., is in contrast to pre-prepared talks with overheads/slides/powerpoint/whatever. That is, a "chalk talk" is much more "live", than a pre-recorded powerpoint talk, and, therefore, can show much more of the speaker's grip on the material. This sort of talk can also be expected to accommodate audience questions, which is another sort of "test".
answered 15 mins ago
paul garrett
48.4k489202
answered 15 mins ago
paul garrett
48.4k489202
answered 15 mins ago
paul garrett
48.4k489202
answered 15 mins ago
paul garrett
48.4k489202
48.4k489202
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
Laure is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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Could you add a country tag? The hiring procedure varies significantly between countries. In Germany in math we always have a scientific presentation (like a seminar talk) as part of the job interview but this is not closed door and not necessarily on the blackboard.
– Dirk
3 hours ago
@Dirk I'm interested in answers for any European country, the USA, or any other culturally similar countries you might expect people to also apply to.
– Laure
3 hours ago
I would guess -- and it is only a guess -- that a chalk talk is a talk given in front of a white board (historically in front of a chalk board, hence, the name), where the speaker is expected to show something on the white board
– user2768
2 hours ago
1
@user2768 I don't see why you talk about history. I had job interviews in front of a chalk board a few months ago.
– Najib Idrissi
1 hour ago
1
@SolarMike They smell so good...
– user2768
1 hour ago