by Alexia Alexandria

Created on: June 30, 2008   Last Updated: July 01, 2008

The lecture-style teaching method has led to the rising problem of passive learning among college students. During each class, the professor lectures the material while the student remains seated and tries to absorb what the professor is teaching. During this time, the student listens and takes notes on what he or she believes will be on the next exam. This was usually how it was during my first year in college. My college experience has helped me to locate the reasons why it is common for college students to engage in passive learning.

THE PROFESSOR

Although the professor has great knowledge in their discipline, they may not be teaching it well. The proper method of lecture is to engage the students and not to merely lecture the material as if the students are "empty vessels". By not teaching well, the professor is 'welcoming' the students to not be engaged in the material. In addition, some professors tend to provide every answer and example to problems. This causes the students to not actively learn because the professor is doing what the students should be doing in order to best understand the subject. Lecturing straight from the textbook also causes passive learning because students who have read the material in the textbook are less likely to pay attention during the lecture and will not see lecture as useful to passing the class. This allows the professor to use the same course notes every year, making his teaching style a routine. The professor should prevent doing this in order to prevent the students from recording and taking in the material as it is. After lecture, the student should be able to explain the material and apply it to different situations.

THE STUDENT

The job of a student is to go to class every day and pay attention to what is being taught to them. Sometimes, the material is of interest to the student and sometimes it is not. Therefore, it is important for the student to read the required reading, listen, and take notes.

Note-Taking

A student's note-taking style also affects their learning. Students are obligated to bring a notebook or loose-leaf binder to every lecture. Other students choose to use their laptop as a note-taker. This may be useful for organizing and saving notes, but the laptop tempts students to check their email or play a game instead of taking notes. This will cause students around them to detract their attention from the professor to the laptop and its owner. When it comes to taking notes, students have a problem with

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