Instructional Methods: Lecturing

Instructional Methods: Lecturing

1. What is “the lecture"

   • Old, classical or traditional method of instruction

2. Roles played by participants in the lecture

   • Role of the teacher
     • names
     • defines
     • narrates
     • talks
     • explains
     • illustrates
     • refers
   • Role of the learners
     • follow explanations
     • memorise
     • observe
     • listen
     • answer questions
     • repeat

3. When to use “the lecture”

   • when learners cannot gain knowledge on their own
   • to introduce totally new facts
     • principles
     • concepts
     • new technology
   • used to teach large groups simultaneously
     • should be used in combination with small group discussion

4. Merits of lecture method

   • time-saving
     • when there is no time for investigation
   • teacher imparts knowledge logically
     • gives explanations when subject is not clear
   • useful when there is no access to apparatus or materials
   • useful for large classes
     • individual work is difficult when class is large
   • does not require elaborate planning
     • special materials do not have to be ordered
     • equipment does not have to be scheduled or moved

5. Shortcomings of lecture method

   • can be boring
     • learners not actively involved
     • learners only using auditory sense
   • concentration can be limited when listening to one voice
   • difficulty in remembering information that was not gained by oneself
   • if a learner misses a point or does not understand something, they are unable to get clarity in a lecture setting

6. Tips for success

   • start by posing a problem
   • prepare
   • encourage questions
   • speak in a warm voice
     • don't talk too fast
   • use understandable language
   • keep perceptual background of learners in mind
   • don't be vague
   • summarise periodically
   • use different types of visual media