The Lecturing Method

I.

The Advantages
A. Introduce material not accessible to the learner.
B. Selection and arrangement of subject matter.
C. Spoken word more effective than the printed page.
D. Personality of the teacher is stronger force than text.
E. Teacher can deal with a larger class.
II. The Techniques
A. Lecture method fails when the teacher lacks skill in presenting.
B. How can the oral presentation of material be made most effective?
1. Content
a) Acquiring and preparing = largest single activity.
b) 90% of what you do to be successful, you do before you get to class
c) Consequences of not preparing:
(1) Unsure of yourself
(2) Lecture does not fit in allotted time.
(3) Material seems confused, jumbled, and disjointed.
(4) Relevant material overlooked.
(5) False or misleading information presented.
d) Planning structure
(1) Introduction about 10% - should inform the class on what you are going to do
and why
(2) Main Body about 75% - main details are going to be given out; everything
you share will help them remember the information as well as how to apply it
(3) Conclusion about 15% - give the summary; asking them questions; checking
their knowledge and understanding
(a) Should be concise
(b) You get the class excited and enthusiastic
(c) You should not be rushed and it should not be forgotten
e) I should
(1) Known to unknown
(2) Invite and ask questions
(3) Use visual aids
(4) Use examples, anecdotes, transitions, and connections
2. Presentation
a) Visual Aids
(1) Should be professional
(2) Use them well
b) Appearance
(1) Look smart and be professional
(2) Dress up rather than down.

(3) Avoid distracting items

(4) Your face and hair are most important
(5) Keep modesty in mind.
c) Body Language is important!
(1) Move and carry yourself boldly and confidently.
(a) Avoid the following:
i) Sitting on the desk for lectures
ii) Hands in the pockets
iii) Annoying gestures
iv) Leaning back or leaning forward while you teach
v) Have an open body posture
(2) Always smile!
(3) Be yourself!
d) Eye Contact
(1) 3-5 seconds per student
(2) Treat them as students and not as a mass
e) Movement
(1) Helps you to appear to be energetic and enthusiastic
(2) Gestures or either small or large
(3) Avoid staying too long behind the lectern
(4) Avoid hand-holding
(5) Avoid leaning while talking
(6) Avoid talking to the wall
f) Voice
(1) Over 1/3 of our communication is the way you say things, not the things you
say
(2) Firm - control breathing
(3) Optimum pitch - the pitch you should speak on; pitch you should use all the
time; helps by slowing down lecture; use isometric exercises to help - press
hands and feet down into the floor
III. Lecture Checklist
A. Involve your audience
B. Vary your pace
C. Use your voice
D. Use visual aids
E. Use humor
F. Comfortable physical conditions
G. Teach in an informal and intimate way
H. Students held accountable