Sketches some of the shortcomings of instruction in which the major activity is that of an instructor talking to students, and which may include asking/answering questions, displaying a visual, or demonstrating a procedure; and then offers a checklist of reasons or situations that justify using lectures. (Author)

If teaching is the effective communication of knowledge, the teacher first must be knowledgeable about the subject being taught. Communicating that knowledge to students is just as important. One standard teaching method is the lecture. A lecture is prepared before class by the teacher and should include not only the facts to be learned by the…

These suggestions for helping adolescent students with mild disabilities take notes emphasize use of a skeleton outline of the main ideas and related concepts of a lecture, with space to maximize student responding as the student completes the outline during the lecture or reading of an assigned chapter. (DB)

This guide is aimed at lecturers and tutors providing higher education courses at further education colleges in England. It contains good practice guidelines with examples from more than 50 institutions, information requested by colleges, and suggestions. A companion volume for senior managers addresses policy issues and prospects for higher…

This book is a collection of practical tips for college teachers drawn from the experiences of teachers across the disciplines. It is meant to be an aid to an instructor who needs new ideas to elevate teaching, and is a ready reference tool. The chapters are: (1) The First Day; (2) Getting Started; (3) Getting the Most from the Lecture; (4)…

An open format in which students keep log books to help them become more active in the learning process is discussed. Included are creative thought and language, visualization, and using writing to learn how to learn. Examples of student writing are provided. (CW)

Describes a number of informal "turn-to-your-neighbor" approaches that create an active learning environment in college lecture settings. These include: launching class in discussion, breaking up the lecture for comprehension checks, closing class with small-group conversation, and debriefing exams. (DB)

The lecturer's first job is to get the students' attention. Techniques to hold the students' interest include: adapting the lecture to the audience; covering a few topics in depth rather than many superficially; and putting variety in the format. Nonverbal communication is as important as the content of the lecture. (JN)

Authors discuss ways to present a challenging classroom or shop format. Suggestions include quiz games, peer tutors, and goal-setting guides. Also includes tips from professional actors and a proven approach for using everyday adult mathematics skills to prepare students for using decimals and fractions. (CT)

This booklet is the first of three sequels to "A Guide to the Selection of Instructional Methods." Following a brief introduction, a discussion of the most common methods used in mass instructional techniques deals with the strenghts and weaknesses of lectures and similar expository techniques, film and video presentations, educational broadcasts,…

College teachers can act as intermediaries between a class and a body of knowledge by making three important contributions: structure, evaluation, and support. The teacher's task is to keep the student's initial drive and enthusiasm intact while thwarting the desire to be content with easy answers. Teachers need to encourage a critical outlook and…

This handbook is divided into two parts. Part 1 focuses on being a teaching assistant and ideas for teaching. Sections of this part cover: (1) university policies applicable to teaching assistants and behavior guidelines; (2) teaching tips; (3) lecturing techniques; (4) discussion and laboratory sections; (5) using questions; (6) demonstrations;…

Educators are moving toward models of instruction that contain a myriad of interaction patterns among teachers and students. This shift from didactic teaching models to intensely involving designs is difficult for teachers, but is made easier if seen as a gradual change. This book provides an overview of 12 cooperative interaction designs for the…

Addresses the problem of providing individualized attention in classes which, because of fiscal restraints, have 30 to 40 students. Presents five suggestions for the improved apportionment of the teacher's time through the use of learning lab materials and paraprofessional aides. Discusses the effectiveness of the lecture-reading-discussion…

Discusses methods of personalizing the large introductory college psychology class. Contrasts active learning by students with lecturing by professors. Suggests that separating the large class into smaller units can facilitate active learning. Argues that active learning also can be promoted in the large class setting. (SG)