The Role of Lecture

Lecturing conveys information, but may not build understanding; it casts learners as passive receivers of information. Integrating lectures with discussion and activities will help students process and understand the information presented. During a pause in the lecture, have students turn to a peer and:

• Read/share notes with each other
• Respond to a question you pose (check understanding)
• Summarize what they have understood so far
• Make a connection to something they know or have experienced
• Solve a problem related to what you've presented

Students typically retain the most information in the first 10 minutes of a lecture, so limit lecture. Find ways to have students create mini summaries throughout the lesson. Ask students with experience in industry if they have anything to add; ask students from other countries to compare their experience.

To capture students' interest:

• Provide a skeletal outline of your presentation as a "big-picture" overview
• Include real-life anecdotes
• Use visuals (pictures, graphic organizers, models) with presentations
• Involve students in demonstrations