Tips on Active LecturingTips on Active Lecturing

Prepared by

Mervin Maxwell

• Start lectures by stating a question to be addressed or a problem to be solved

• Give illustrations of ever theoretical result you present both before and after you present it

• Put long derivations in handouts and go through them quickly in class Spend most class time on

-Presenting examples

-Working out problems

-Asking and answering questions

-Discussion

• Don’t lecture to the board. Don’t write on hand and erase with the other. Don’t read notes

• Use transparencies for visual demonstrations, plots, diagrams, etc. Don’t use them for complete lectures. Classes are not symposia

• Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.” If you want to add “but I’ll find out.” Then do it! Better yet, ask the class what they think.

• Strike a balance between lectures and discussions.

-Lectures lets you cover a lot of material rapidly, promote short-term knowledge.

-Discussion lead to deeper understanding better attitude toward subject, more creativity.