mini lectures
With the data showing how long we are able to keep our students undivided attention I find that using a mini lecture formatkeeps them focused longer. By stopping every 10 to 12 minutes it allows me to do a demonstration of material I have just lectured about. This keeps it fresh in the students mind and they sem to retain the lecture material better with the short demonstrations and keeps them focused longer
Kenna,
Yes, it will. Students like variety and change of pace in their classes. Short lectures and then activities or discussions help to keep them engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I love the idea of keeping lectures short. This will really help keep my students attention when I start teaching lecture.
Kulsoom,
Good point because you are breaking down the content into "bit size" chunks for your students this way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When texr is very heavy and too much explainatory, Mini lecture helps to bring important point outlined, so ifeel its helpful
David,
Great plan. This should result in your students being focused and engaged throughout each class session.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Not only is it important to limit your lectures in class, sometimes to "break things up" and help develop both presentaion and seaking skills, I have mini-mini lectures of 5-8 minutes long that the STUDENTS give to the class from prepared notes and videos.
I usually notify each student a week ahead of time that they will be "lecturing" on a specific day, so that they can study the course notes, and familiarize them selves with the topic to be covered.
Cathy,
This where relevancy and application comes in for your students. They get to cover the content and then apply it to their lives. A win win situation for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Carol,
This format works really well because it offers the students an opportunity to reset their brains at different times throughout the class and make application of the content that has just been shared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Because my class requires lecture then hands on instruction this method is very effective
Keeping lecture time formatted in a mini lecture style is a good way for both the student and the teacher to stay ingaged in the topic.
Bonita,
Students like change of pace and variety and by using mini-lectures you can offer both and increase student engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I can definitely understand how shorter lectures of 10 to 12 minutes can be beneficial to the students with retention of material and keeping their attention for longer periods of time and more difficult material. Attention span of adult is 15 to 18 minutes.
Jeffrey,
Good plan to follow. By changing pace and offering variety in your instructional delivery you are enabling your students to stay engaged and on topic. This is going to keep them moving forward with their learning while making application of the content they are receiving.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
