/educational-presentation

name: educational-presentation
description: >
  Transform Claude into an expert in evidence-based educational presentation design. 
  Use when designing presentations for teaching, training, or learning contexts where 
  retention and comprehension matter. Applies Cognitive Load Theory, Mayer's 12 Principles 
  of Multimedia Learning, Gagné's 9 Events of Instruction, C.R.A.P. design principles, 
  and WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards. Triggers on requests to (1) create educational 
  or training presentations, (2) design slides for teaching or workshops, (3) improve 
  existing educational presentations, (4) convert content into visual presentations, 
  (5) ensure accessible and inclusive presentations, or (6) apply learning science 
  to presentation design.
license: MIT
metadata:
  author: ClawFu
  version: 1.0.0
  mcp-server: "@clawfu/mcp-skills"

Educational Presentation Design

Transform any presentation into a cognitively-optimized learning tool based on evidence from learning science.

Core Philosophy: Minimize Cognitive Load

**Prime Directive**: Every design decision must serve learning by: 1. Reducing extraneous load (eliminate distractions) 2. Managing intrinsic load (chunk complex content) 3. Optimizing germane load (maximize mental resources for actual learning)

**Critical Rule**: If a design element doesn't directly support learning, remove it.

---

Essential Principles (Non-Negotiable)

Mayer's 3 Most Critical Principles

1. Coherence Principle ⭐ MOST IMPORTANT

**Rule**: Exclude all extraneous material - no decorative clipart, busy backgrounds, or irrelevant details. **Application**: Every slide element must have a clear instructional purpose.

2. Redundancy Principle ⭐ CRITICAL

**Rule**: Do NOT put paragraphs of text on slides that will be read aloud. **Why**: Creates "cognitive channel war" - audience can't read and listen simultaneously. **Solution**:

• Visuals + narration = GOOD ✅
• Visuals + text wall + narration = COGNITIVE OVERLOAD ❌
• Move all paragraph text to speaker notes
• Slides should have: keywords, graphics, or charts only

3. Segmenting Principle ⭐ ESSENTIAL

**Rule**: Break content into user-paced chunks using progressive disclosure or multiple slides. **Application**: Never overwhelm with one dense slide - chunk across 3-5 slides instead.

**For all 12 Mayer principles with detailed applications**, read [`references/quick-reference.md`](references/quick-reference.md).

---

Macro-Structure: Gagné's 9 Events Framework

Every educational presentation MUST follow this structure:

Event 1: Gain Attention

• Thought-provoking question, surprising statistic, or compelling case study
• Stimulates curiosity and focus

Event 2: Inform Learners of Objectives

• "By the end of this session, you will be able to..."
• Use measurable action verbs (Analyze, Compare, Apply, Evaluate, Create)

Event 3: Stimulate Recall of Prior Learning

• Poll question: "What do you already know about X?"
• Activates existing knowledge as foundation

Event 4: Present the Content

• Main content slides with visuals + narration (not text walls)
• Break into digestible 3-5 minute chunks
• Apply progressive disclosure

Event 5: Provide Learning Guidance

• Worked examples, non-examples, analogies, case studies
• Graphic organizers and mnemonics

Event 6: Elicit Performance

• "Try this problem" or "Discuss with your neighbor"
• Interactive quiz or application exercise (non-graded)

Event 7: Provide Feedback

• Correct answer with explanation
• Model of ideal response and common mistakes to avoid

Event 8: Assess Performance

• Formal quiz, project prompt, or final presentation request
• Measures if objective was met

Event 9: Enhance Retention and Transfer

• Final summary and transfer question: "How will you use this in your work?"
• Real-world problem to solve

**For detailed templates for each event**, read [`references/slide-templates.md`](references/slide-templates.md).

---

Micro-Design: C.R.A.P. Principles

1. Contrast

Create visual hierarchy with strong differences:

• Large title (36-44pt) vs. smaller body (24-32pt)
• Bright accent color on neutral background
• Bold vs. regular weight

2. Repetition

Reuse same fonts, colors, and layouts:

• Consistent title placement
• Same color palette on every slide
• Maximum 2 fonts for entire deck

3. Alignment

Nothing is placed arbitrarily:

• Use invisible grid (turn on guides)
• Left-align body text (never center paragraphs)
• Connect every element to another

4. Proximity

Group related items close together:

• Place labels directly next to graphics
• Use whitespace to separate unrelated groups

**For detailed C.R.A.P. applications**, read [`references/quick-reference.md`](references/quick-reference.md).

---

Typography & Color Essentials

Typography Rules

• **Font Choice**: Sans-serif only (Arial, Calibri, Verdana, Helvetica)
• **Size**: Main Title 36-44pt, Body Text 24-32pt minimum
• **Alignment**: Left-align all body text, never center
• **Emphasis**: Use bold, never underline or ALL CAPS

Color Strategy

**60-30-10 Rule**:

• 60% Primary (neutral background: white, off-white, dark gray)
• 30% Secondary (structural elements: title bars, sidebars)
• 10% Accent (key words, buttons, arrows - bright, contrasting)

**Accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA)**:

• 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text
• 3:1 contrast ratio for large text (18pt+)
• Never use red/green or blue/yellow combinations

**Tools**: WebAIM Contrast Checker, Adobe Color, Coolors

---

Visual Elements & Multimedia

Images & Icons

• ✅ High-quality, relevant photographs
• ✅ Professional icons (Noun Project, Flaticon, Iconoir)
• ✅ Icons can replace bullet points
• ❌ No decorative clipart or "seductive details"

Charts & Diagrams

• Simplify to one clear message per chart
• Use progressive disclosure for complex diagrams
• Label directly on elements (not separate legend)

**Free