Teaching Tips

Determine purpose of the lecture:

To motivate

To explain materials not readily available elsewhere

To ensure that everyone learns some important principles

Organize the content

Break it into 10-20 minute sections since that is the typical learner's attention span

Decide what to cover and list topics; estimate time needed and then increase that by 50%; set objectives

Make sure the sequence of topics is meaningful

Different kinds of lectures:

Expository: single topic covering major and minor points

Interactive: learners respond to prompts, questions, or examples

Problems solving: begin with posing a question, paradox, or enigma

Case study: follows a realistic situation step by step to illustrate principles

Short lecture/discussion: 20 minute lecture sets stage; 15-minute discussion; summarize

Preparation:

Visit lecture room so you know what is available and how to use it

Carefully prepare your own lecture notes but do not lecture from a script

If using Power Point, keep your notes on the note sheet to go with each slide; practice to make sure it “sounds” right; carefully prepare for transitions

Summarize occasionally and use questions to verify understanding

Structure lecture to suit the audience and subject matter

To help people retain the most

Attention getting introduction

Brief overview of main points to be covered

Quick statement of background or context

Detailed explanation of roughly three major points, starting with most important first; incorporate a change of pace every 10-15 minutes

Concluding summary of main points to reinforce

Budget time for questions

Keep their attention:

Eye contact

Vary style of delivery

Be enthusiastic

Be conversational

Use concrete, simple, and colorful language

Incorporate anecdotes

Use movement to emphasize important points

Laugh at yourself when you make a mistake

Keep track of time

Provide concrete and simplified conclusions

Delivery:

Vary speaking pace

Project voice

Pause

Watch for “um,” “well,” “you know,” “ok,” “so” etc.

Adopt a natural speaking stance

Breathe normally

Finish forcefully—don't let lecture trail off

Handouts:

Learners tend to like them; should guide structure of lecture

Leave space for note taking

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