Hi Regina,
Yes, they will. They need that variety to keep their interest. The review and discussion really helps them with their retention of content as well.
Gary
I am a new instructor, but what I have found so far, is that by varying how the content is presented it seems to keep the students engaged. I have learned through this course that I have been lecturing to long and that I should break it up more. I do use exercises, both individual and group, to enhance the learning process and cut the boredom of listening to someone lecture for three and half hours. So far, it seems to be working well. This course has given me some new ideas.
Sometimes, I fail to stop lecturing at 15-18 minutes. I think if I do a short lecture and then have a discussion on what I just lectured on will be more helpful to my students and then later in the day, lecture again for a short period of time, then the students will be more open to what I am trying to say.
Use as many visual and actual components that are good and bad so they can actually see the difference than just talking about them.
When preparing my lectures I try to stay relavent. I do this by staying current on what is happening in the feild I teach as well as what the students are into. This is important it let the student know that you get them.
I try to start my lectures with a review of the last chapter/lecture I presented so we can go over any areas that were problematic for the students - also it gives us a chance to wrap up any lose ends before we move on to the next unit.
Ithink by giving examples of your work experience and knowledge.
I like student participation in the lectures. This involves students answering questions I posit during the lecture or requesting students to provide physical examples of concepts presented. And students enjoy participating in this learning process.
And like George mentioned above, I like to give an in-class assignment after informational material has been presented. This allows students to see what they may have missed in the lecture. It also shows students those points I consider most relevant to study. And it shows those problematic areas I need to focus on for the following class.
One the methods that I use to ensure that my lectures are effective are by using experiential training methods i.e.: learning activities that require class participation that also drive the point of the lecture.
I like to bring my students' career fields into my examples in my lectures, lettling them know when and how they will use a certain skill. They can then see the importance of the points I'm making. Letting them "connect the dots" themselves with their own examples is great too. I had one young lady share with me and the class just how she used the skills in her current job and how beneficial they really were. It was a great moment for me and for the class.
I teach Math. I show them a way to solve a problem,but I am always open to any solutions they may have, which are accurate and easy and fast. I see they love that
I agree with you Susan. By offering personal experience you are giving your students some good reasons why they should learn the material. Relevence is important in our college. If the students do not feel that they are going to use the material you will lose their interest. Your class must be very informative for your students.
Joan Adkins
Presently I teach a computer class, to enhance my lectures I use many of the trial and error approaches along with case study lectures. I try to make my class effective for the business world. By placing both in my classroom I feel that my students come out more rounded and more equiped to use the material in the real world. I try to tell them this class is not for just today but also for your future.
Lectures are more enjoyable for students if they are involved in the process. They can be given an outline on the subject and intereject ideas on paper that they may have during the lecture. The lecture should also be given in with short sessions on various subjects because the student's attention will last only 5-7 minutes and important ideas should be mentioned within that time. Norma Liberatore
I believe you need to get students involved by asking questions. If not, lecture only can be very boring
Anytime you can bring in real life examples or speakers you will make the lecture that much more meaningful. Because they are seeing or having to apply it to something that they will be doing in the near future.
Hi Irene,
The use of examples and your own experiences really help to solidify the course content. The students build a stronger connection between theory and practice by seeing and hearing these application examples.
Gary
I try to use relevant examples from our field, and involve the students in suggested outcomes. They seem to really enjoy case study type discussions, and that makes lecture time more interesting to them.
There are several ways you can make your lectures more effective for students.
Firstly, Do not read the lecture to them
Secondly, You should be emotionally prepared for tit.
Thirdly, Have a powerful opening.
Fourthly, establish a rapport with the students
Lastly, avoid a cold start.
I like to use a variety of delivery methods - lecture, video, group discussion. I also like to use student and my 'real life' experiences.
