In this study, we investigate pupils’ perceptions in Swedish 3 of the allocation of time of the Canons of Rhetoric when working with oral presentations. We also investigate which relations that exist between pupils’ perceptions of the allocation of time of the Canons of Rhetoric and perceptions of knowledge of the Canons of Rhetoric as well as perceptions of their oral presentation. The study was conducted via a questionnaire and carried out among 245 pupils. Raw data has been analysed to determine the descriptive statistics of the allocation of time of the Canons of Rhetoric and tests for statistical significance have been performed to determine the effects that the allocation of time has on pupils’ perceptions of their oral presentation. We have analysed our results by the use of the cognitive and the socio-cultural perspective. Results show that pupils feel that no phase is given sufficient time and that they believe the three first phases to be higher prioritised than the remaning phases. The amount of class hours is of importance to the perceived knowledge of the Canons of Rhetoric, how easy pupils find it creating a presentation, their sense of preparation and the perceived development as a speaker. Regarding response, emendatio, the time for teacher response does not show any significant correlation to pupils’ perceptions of their oral presentation. If peer response is given before presentations, it has a positive effect on pupils’ satisfaction with the presentation, but has otherwise no influence. In addition, teachers’ scaffolding seems to have a larger effect on pupils’ perceptions of their oral presentation than teacher and peer response. Finally, self-assessment occurs to a low extent and is shown to affect the knowledge of the Canons of Rhetoric and how easy it is creating a presentation in a positive manner.

Abstract In this study, we investigate pupils’ perceptions in Swedish 3 of the allocation of time of the Canons of Rhetoric when working with oral presentations. We also investigate which relations that exist between pupils’ perceptions of the allocation of time of the Canons of Rhetoric and perceptions of knowledge of the Canons of Rhetoric as well as perceptions of their oral presentation. The study was conducted via a questionnaire and carried out among 245 pupils. Raw data has been analysed to determine the descriptive statistics of the allocation of time of the Canons of Rhetoric and tests for statistical significance have been performed to determine the effects that the allocation of time has on pupils’ perceptions of their oral presentation. We have analysed our results by the use of the cognitive and the socio-cultural perspective. Results show that pupils feel that no phase is given sufficient time and that they believe the three first phases to be higher prioritised than the remaning phases. The amount of class hours is of importance to the perceived knowledge of the Canons of Rhetoric, how easy pupils find it creating a presentation, their sense of preparation and the perceived development as a speaker. Regarding response, emendatio, the time for teacher response does not show any significant correlation to pupils’ perceptions of their oral presentation. If peer response is given before presentations, it has a positive effect on pupils’ satisfaction with the presentation, but has otherwise no influence. In addition, teachers’ scaffolding seems to have a larger effect on pupils’ perceptions of their oral presentation than teacher and peer response. Finally, self-assessment occurs to a low extent and is shown to affect the knowledge of the Canons of Rhetoric and how easy it is creating a presentation in a positive manner.