on the subject. In order to be successful, the teacher really needs to have a control of the subject matter. If the teacher has to read off notes to the students, the impression is that the teacher doesn't know the subject very well and it actually undermines the teacher in the classroom. Those that use the method well, usually require not notes. Most teachers use the method in a way that actually gives the impression that they are not an authority on the subject.

THE PROS

Instruction

Despite any negative impressions about the lecture format, it is a necessity in the classroom if for no other reason than to convey instructions. Quite often a teacher needs to give the students lecture in order to understand how to do the assignments, projects, or group activities that the students complete with more enthusiasm and vigor. Used appropriately for instruction, students realize that when the teacher talks to the group, that he or she is conveying vital information in order to understand the assignment.

Background Information

The reality is that teachers only have a finite amount of time with students. Now there may be a wealth of activities that the teacher can use to teach background information that may take 30 minutes to an entire block to complete. There are times when it is better to just give a five or ten minute lecture on the background information needed to understand a subject rather than 30 minutes of other activities. A well-constructed lesson will have a variety of methods and a short lecture can be effective.

Keep It Brief

Teachers should never lecture for an entire class period. While there are some teachers that lecture is their sole teaching technique, in general too much of it isn't the best. Used in small strategically timed ways, the lecture format can be a very effective way of conveying information. If it is used correctly, students will give the teacher the proper attention for small amounts of time.

Classroom Control

For a teacher that does not enjoy a loud classroom, the lecture format can be a way of controlling students and minimizing discipline issues. When students engage in group activities and projects, there is a noise level that the teacher must tolerate. For teachers that prefer more control and less noise, the lecture format can provide that type of environment.

Bring on Technology

For many classrooms that are technologically advanced, the lecture format of the teacher just reading overheads to the class and having them copy the notes or writing in dusty chalk on the board are gone. Many classrooms have Smart Boards and Promethean Boards. These interactive boards allow teachers to incorporate pictures, videos, graphs and sound as part of the lecture. Many classrooms have hand held devices that allow teachers to ask students questions during the lecture and have the students respond on the key pad on the small remote control like devices. Teachers can immediately know whether a student understood the material. If the teacher asks a multiple choice question and A is the correct answer, the teacher can have all of the students click in there response. If 15 students have it correct and 5 do not, the teacher knows which students are paying attention or need a little more reinforcement of the material. Technology is transforming how teachers use the lecture format. In the hands of the right teacher, it isn't nearly as ineffective as it used to be.

The lecture format certainly has advantages and disadvantages. Like any other teaching method, the factor in its success is the teacher. Used effectively, the lecture format can still be an important and quality method for teaching students.

Learn more about this author, MJ Suttor.
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