Making the lecture interesting
Hello:
I have been teaching for a few years now. I try to have a little lecture and some role playing along with some short video or other resources to help support the concept. This allows students to stay active and to play a role in their own learning. Empowering the students goes a long way in the classroom. To much lecture they loose interest to much role paly the will get away from the concept being presented. To much video they will not comprehend the concept--they also look at it as if the instructor is letting someone else do their job. It takes some time in the classroom to find this balance. But it is a learning process for everyone.
This is where getting to know your class will help. Each set of students are differnet I have found what I can do in one class does not always transfer to another class.
The timer makes it interesting for sure .The instructor has to stay on task so as not to go over the time limit and after a while the students also get a feel for the 20 minutes. Here is a secret sometimes I cheat and will set my timer for an extra minute or two. Or sometimes I will hold up a sign that reads 5 minutes until this lecture is over. This usual gets a laugh and buys me 5 more minutes even if the timer has expired.
I never thought about doing this. It sounds like a good approach and something I could fit into my class.
I have a timer that I set for 15 - 20 minutes max before a lecture .This reminds me when it’s time to stop and do an activity, have a discussion, play a video or go to lab. It also keeps the students focus because they know this lecture is not going to last forever.
Earline,
I agree. There should be an ample amount of time designated to class discussion, because it serves as an excellent form of assessment and it enables to students to be engaged with the lesson that is presented.
Tremayne Simpson
I also have been teaching for quite a few years; 14 to be exact. Each class is different and you have to find a way to reach each class. I have found that lecture, relating to the class with real world experience and getting the class involved helps. After lecturing for about 15-20 minutes I ask a question or ask if the class has a comment on the subject.
I do agree that you must make it interesting for the students or you lose them. Making it interesting helps to keep them interested and involved in the subject. Too much video is the same they fall asleep. I do agree the students are all different you just have to find the right fit in keeping them interested.
