Formula for Presenting Academic Ideas

I find that the most effective formula for communicating ideas in an academic context is by using three key steps: statement, argument, and exemplification.

In academia, it is essential to structure concepts, data, and examples in a coherent and well-supported manner. If each paragraph contains a clear statement, supported by a solid argument and enriched with relevant exemplification, you will communicate ideas in a complex and substantiated way. This method can be applied both to individual paragraphs and to complete sections of a text.

How does it work? Here are the steps:

1. Statement: Present the central idea

The statement is the starting point. In this step, you clearly define the thesis or main idea you want to communicate.

• How to do it? Write your position clearly and support it with prior literature to establish its relevance.
  Example: «Implementing active methodologies in university classrooms significantly improves academic performance and promotes greater student engagement.»

2. Argument: Support the idea with solid evidence

The argument strengthens the statement by using empirical data, critical analysis, and relevant theories.

• How to do it? Include studies, statistics, and connections to recognized theories to support the idea.
  Example:
  «Freeman et al. (2014) conducted a meta-analysis of 225 studies comparing active methodologies with traditional classes in STEM disciplines. The results showed that active methodologies increased students’ pass rates by 6% while reducing failure rates by 1.5%. This approach fosters interaction between students and content and encourages participation in practical activities that reinforce theoretical concepts.»

3. Exemplification: Support with concrete examples

Exemplification grounds the idea through practical cases, visual examples, or narratives that connect it to real-world contexts.

• How to do it? Provide applied examples or real cases that support your statement and argument.
  Example:
  «A relevant case is the University of Minnesota, which implemented the concept of the ‘Active Learning Classroom’ (ALC). In this model, classrooms were redesigned to include circular tables, shared screens, and collaborative whiteboards. According to Baepler et al. (2014), students in these classrooms reported a 14% increase in their engagement levels and achieved higher grades compared to students in traditional classrooms.»

Complete Example Applied

Formula in Action: The Effectiveness of Active Methodologies in Higher Education

Implementing active methodologies in university classrooms significantly improves academic performance and promotes greater student engagement.

Various studies support the effectiveness of active methodologies compared to traditional classes. Freeman et al. (2014) conducted a meta-analysis of 225 studies comparing active methodologies with traditional lectures in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. The results showed that these methodologies increased students’ pass rates by 6% and reduced failure rates by 1.5%. Additionally, they encourage interaction between students and content and active participation in practical activities. From a constructivist perspective, as proposed by Piaget (1970) and Vygotsky (1978), learning is more effective when students actively engage in their educational process.

A clear example of this effectiveness is the «Active Learning Classroom» (ALC) model at the University of Minnesota. Classrooms were redesigned to include circular tables, shared screens, and collaborative whiteboards. According to Baepler et al. (2014), students in these classrooms reported a 14% increase in their engagement levels and achieved higher grades compared to students in traditional classrooms. Furthermore, 89% of the students stated that these methodologies helped them better understand the content.