Lecturing
The lecture is generally considered to be the oldest teaching method, and today it is still the most widely used method of instruction. But as knowledge through research into teaching and learning continues to grow, the question arises: Is the lecture an effective method? The answer is, “Yes, but…”Yes, the lecture has a purpose in today’s universities. Lectures are particularly good for:
- Presenting up-to-date information
- Summarizing material
- Adapting material to the background and interests of a particular group of students
- Focusing on key concepts, principles, or ideas (McKeachie, 2002, p. 53)
But new advancements in understanding about memory, motivation, and learning indicate a need to rethink how to give a lecture. Two separate issues, both key to memory and motivation, need to be considered: the organization of the lecture, and the delivery of the lecture...
Reference
McKeachie, W.J. (2002). Teaching Tips. 11th Edition, Boston,
MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Read more about Lectures in Teaching and Its Evaluation: A Handbook of Resources.
In addition, there are many helpful resources on the benefits and drawbacks of lecturing in a college course. The following links are good starting points for a better understanding of this approach to teaching and learning:
The Preparation and Delivery of Effective Lectures, Vanderbilt Center for Teaching
Improving Participation in Lectures, Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning, Harvard University