For most final exams, studying the textbook and class notes is a must, but CAHA 492 students are practicing and preparing for a presentation.

CAHA 492, Improvisational Techniques for Creative Risk Taking, will hold a presentation titled “Capstone Experience” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Holmes Student Center’s Heritage Room.

The presentation will incorporate the ideas of Malcomb Knowles, a mid-20th century educator, who believed games are a good way to illustrate concepts, said Max Elsey, an adult continuing education instructor.

“It’s a concept about teamwork and participation,” Elsey said. “They have been doing this stuff all semester, now they have to practice and think about it.”

Verbal and non-verbal games the class participated in throughout the semester will be included, said Julie Broitzman, a junior business administration major.

“It’s a lot of fun and shows imagination and teamwork,” Elsey said. “These kids know each other in a level that other students don’t know in their classes.”

The class, which was first offered this semester, is based on trust, teamwork and imagination, and students also develop focus and concentration.

“The class has helped me speak out more in my other classes,” said Lesa Bergeron, a junior business administration major.

Her classmate Minerva Gallegos, a junior business administration major, agreed.

“In the elevator, I say ‘hi’ to people I don’t even know and ask them how they are doing,” Gallegos said.

The class also covers selected readings, including the concept of flow of consciousness and a theory of Brazillian educator Paulo Freiri’s called conseciousentization.

When the class began, most of the students were nervous, Elsey said, but no one dropped the class and many have benefited from it.

“It helped me become more impulsive,” senior theater major Jaime Borda said. “In the middle of the game, rather than thinking, I just do it.”

Elsey stressed that it is not intended to be a theater class, but a class about creative risk taking.

The class is recommended for all majors. It currently is filled for the spring 2002 semester.