Lecture teaching method

By Khan

Key words; Lecture method, Preparation of Lectures, Content and Structure Lecture method, Key Features Lecture method, Advantages and Disadvantages of the Lecture Method, Comparison of lecture with other methods,

Lecture method

Lecture method is the oldest method of teaching; historically the lecture method can be traced back to the 5th century BC. It was adopted by Muslim and Christian in the early medieval times in the Universities. The word lecture was derived from the Latin word lectare, means to read aloud, which identifies it as telling’ method. A lecture is a proper organized verbal presentation of subject matter. Bligh (1972), defines lecture method as is a period of more or less uninterrupted talk from a teacher Percival and Ellington (1988) stated that “a lecture is 'a didactic instructional method, involving one-way communication from the active presenter to the more or less passive audience”

Lecture method is based on the philosophy of idealism, it is consists of one-way communication from the teacher to student, in this method teacher some time can ask questions from the students to establish a communication link. But skilled lecturers make their lectures more thought-provoking and interactive for their students, to enhance their deeper understanding and learning about a topic.

The teacher also clarifies the topic to the students by using different gestures and simple devices like changing voice, change in position in the classroom and his facial expressions. In this method the teachers is more active than students. Students are passive in lecture method but the teacher try to get their attention by asking questions to keep the students active in the classroom.

Lecture method is the most economical of teaching and it can be used to teach a large number of students. It saves time and also covers the subject matter on time. It is very easy and simplest method for teachers and does not need any arrangements or preparation.

This method has shortcomings but it is still the most widely used method in today world. The lecture method can be made more effective by using audio visual aids, flash cards and charts etc. The teacher should encourage the students to ask questions in classroom and discussion the part of the lecture where the concept is difficult to understand. The content of the lecture should be logically arranged and to levels of the students.

Preparation of Lectures

The effectiveness of a lecture is defended on the Preparation of Lecture, presentation is more important but there are other key points that affect the quality of a presentation. preparing a lecture the teacher should consider three factors: first the purpose of the lecture, what teacher want to impart to his students, second the content and the structure of the lecture, and third include some key features to lecture plan.

Purpose

Lectures are given for several reasons:

·         note-taking lectures

·         problem-solving lectures

·         overview lectures

·         motivational lectures

For all the above we need different kinds of lectures, for every purposes it is important to state purpose of the lecture clearly and what type approach will be needed to achieve that purpose. Some the teacher two types of purpose in one lecture but it is sometimes fully successful in any single lecture.

Content and Structure Lecture method

The selection of subject matter and structuring of its content is very important in lecture method to ensure its optimum benefits for the learner in understanding. The teacher mostly select too much content for teaching because he has command over it, he ignore the level of the students in the process So, the teacher need to select only relevant information which is needed by students and easy to understand and learn it.

After selecting the content, the teacher should properly plan and structured the content. The approach must be from known to unknown and from easy to difficult so the students understand it. There are three common steps of structuring lectures; the classical, the problem centered and the sequential organization of content.

Key Features Lecture method

Some key features must be included in the lectures for better effectiveness and understanding of students. The following are the important key features.

·         The introduction of the lecture is very important. For good and Effective openings of the presentation the teacher need to gain the students' attention, motivate the students and structure content an7d indicate the objective of the lecture.

·         Use the appropriate audio-visual aids and charts for better understanding and clarity. All these aids, charts, flash cards, whilst slides, videos, films and recordings must be well prepared so the students in back of the class easily see them. All the illustrations and diagrams are simple, brief and readable, handouts are concise and well-structured and relevant to the topic.

·         The time allotted for a lecture is one hour, the need to spear fifteen for the student’s involvement. The inclusion of student activities, question answer session and provide opportunities for student reflection or problem-solving. Teacher do not care for students activities, but the research shows that active learning is essential for understanding rather than passive learning.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Lecture Method

Advantages of lecture method:

• Lectures do not require preparation.
• Lectures cover allot amount of content in a limited time.
• A large number of students can attend the Lecture at the same time.
• A Great speaker inspires their audience.
• In the Lecturer method a teacher can predict exactly what will happen during their speech.
• The teacher has full control in Lecturer method
• Learners do not feel any tension or threatened by the teacher while listening passively.
• Motivated Learners know how to listen and take notes during lecture.
• Learners do not like to share their notes with each other due examination point of view.

Disadvantages or limitations of lecture method.

·         lecture method is against the principle of learning by doing

·         lecture method makes the students passive listeners in teaching learning process

·         lecture method does not take into consideration the individual differences

·         In lecture method there is very little scope for pupil activity

·         Lecture method encourages 'surface' learning, which is unsuitable for 'deep' learning, understanding and problem solving skills. it only facilitates rote memorization

·         Lecture method does not develop power of critical thanking of the students

·         Lecture method is less effective for higher cognitive development

Comparison of lecture with other methods:

·         the lecture method is widely  used method in universities

·         lecture method is as effective as other methods of teaching and for comprehension level but it is less effective for higher cognitive levels

·         Lecture method  is less effective for teaching practical skills than demonstrations and laboratory work;

·         Discussions method is more effective than lecture method for changing attitudes

Effective Lecturer Activity Lecturing Behaviors
Explains
·         Uses logical, organized approach ·         States relationships
·         Defines key terms
Introduces topics ·         Clearly states objectives ·         Overviews topic ·         Links with past/future
Uses teaching aids ·         Uses appropriate medium/equipment ·         Ensures audibility/clearly visible ·         Structures content clearly
Questions ·         Asks questions clearly ·         Uses problem solving questions ·         Uses questions to explore, clarify

The Problem solving Method of teaching

By Khan

Key words; Meaning and Definition of Problem solving method, The Problem solving Method of teaching , Tips for effective use of Problem solving method, Procedural steps of Problem solving method , Advantages and Disadvantages of Problem-Based, Advantages of Problem-Based Learning, Disadvantages of Problem-Based Learning

The Problem solving Method of teaching

Problem-solving method is a scientific method for teaching especially for science subjects. In this method students take on responsibility for their own learning. Science subject is one of the most important subjects in education system. Traditional teaching methods are lack of developing critical thinking and inability to foster holistic learning environment for school children. The purpose of the science subject is to develop skills of critical thinking, measure, observe, analyze data, classify, synthesize, and formulate conclusions, process information and solving difficult problems, etc. in Problem-solving method creativity in an essential element of science subject.

Problem-solving method need motivation and action to solve the problems on the part of students, resolve conflicts, discuss alternatives solutions, and focus on developing critical thinking is a vital element of the curriculum. Problem-solving method provides students opportunities to implement their acquired knowledge and skills in a meaningful real-life.

Meaning and Definition of Problem solving method

In a problem solving method, children learn by working on problems. This enables the students to learn new knowledge by facing the problems to be solved. The students are expected to observe, understand, analyze, interpret find solutions, and perform applications that lead to a holistic understanding of the concept. This method develops scientific process skills. This method helps in developing brainstorming approach to learning concepts (Dr. Maheshwari).

In Problem-solving method the students select the problem from the real-life situation and then try to understand the science behind it, Problem-solving method is based on common sense. It does not begin with text books knowledge. But it proceeds from personal experience about a problem and then gradually forming concepts through reading relevant books about it. Problem-solving method is a process from practical to theory not from theory to practical. In Problem-solving method Knowledge is not a goal but an outcome of working on tasks. In Problem-solving method students deal with real life world problems and they like to deal with them. Students like concrete things where they can touch, manipulate things to solving a problem, for that this method is very useful.

The purpose Problem solving is to find a problem; determining the cause of the problem, identifying alternatives solution and implementing the solution.

The aim and objective of Problem-solving method is to learn knowledge by solving a problem. It begins with a problem and need step by step well planned meaningful, well-integrated activity. The purpose of problem is to test the student in a natural.

Objectives of Problem-Solving method are;

• The Will to solve a problem
• Improve the skills of pupils’ and abilities to solve the problems
• Improve awareness in students about problem-solving strategies
• Teach the pupils to solve a problems in a systematic way
• one problem can be solved by multiple ways
• Improve student’s skills and abilities to select a better solution techniques to solve the problem
• Improve students’ abilities to get correct answers to a problems by analyzing the problem
• Teach them Logical interpretation of the data by adequate and valid experiences of others and his

Tips for effective use of Problem solving method

• Ask questions about the problem and make suggestions to solve the problem. Ask students to formulate a hypothesis and predict the answer. It will help them to develop critical and analytical thinking and inductive and deductive thinking skills
• Encourage group work in Students, it will help them, and they will think more critically and deeply about the steps needed to solve the problem

• If students are unable to find the solution to a problem, try to find where they are having trouble. Identify the area of the problem, disuse the possible solution to that problem and move them in process

• Aware the students that the process is more important than the solution
• Provide minimal assistance to students to solve the problem only when they needed the most to overcome any obstacles which harder for them

• Teacher work as a facilitator. Teacher must motivate the students because it is a child-directed learning method. Teacher must provide opportunities to all students to contribute in process and towards the success of the activity

Procedural steps of Problem solving method

The procedural steps can be divided in phases

v  Pre-active /Planning phase

v  Active / Execution phase

v  Post-active/Evaluation phase

v  The Pre-active / planning phase includes:

Limitations of the problem-solving method

·         Difficult to teach theoretically topics of curriculum with this method

·         lack of suitable books and references about this method

·         This is method not suitable for all students

·         This Method does not suit lower classes students

·         This is a mental activity dominates method. Hence it neglects physical and practical experiences.

·         This method generates behavior which is destructive and drains the creative energy of the students. Sometime jealous students try to sabotage the ideas of others with whom they disagreed.

·         Lack  of talented teachers to guide this method

·         Time consuming method and resource constraints. It is expensive  and time consuming method

Advantages and Disadvantages of Problem-Based

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of problem-based learning:

Advantages of Problem-Based Learning

 Development of Long-Term Knowledge Retention

·         It helps students to retain and recall information. This method reinforces learning and understanding of subject matter, making it easier to remember later.

 Use of Diverse Instruction Types

·         This method can be used to meet the diverse learning needs and styles of different students and effectively engage a diverse classroom in the process. 

Grouping activities in problem-based learning will allow them to:

• This method  deals with real-life issues that require real-life solutions and help weak students who struggle with abstract concepts

• It help the  students who don’t excel during solo work, they learn will in small-group and large-group learning activities

Continuous Engagement

·         Problem-based learning motivate and engage in the process of activity

·         In this method engagement, students collaborate with each other to solve real-life problem that inject excitement into students  

Development of Transferable Skills

·         Problem-based learning imparts knowledge and develops skills which they can use in real-world scenarios

Improvement of Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills

·         Problem-based learning helps students to interact and communicate with each other’s, with this method students build transferable skills based on teamwork and collaboration.

Disadvantages of Problem-Based Learning

 Potentially Poorer Performance on Tests

Problem-based learning Effect students standardized tests, because of limited time to read book and knowledge needed to achieve high scores

Student Unpreparedness

Not all the students can get benefits from Problem-based learning, but they feel disengaged as a result they can’t handle this type of exercise

Teacher Unpreparedness

Teacher is not competent for problem-based teaching activity or he is new to this method and lack of experience 

Time-Consuming Assessment

Problem based learning and monitoring required plenty of time which makes it time-consuming

Project method

By khan

Key words; project method, Merits of Project Method, Demerits of Project Method, what is project method, six features of Project Method, project method of teaching

 Project method

The project method is an educational teaching method which is expensive and time consuming method. In this             method children solve a practical problem over a period of several days or weeks. It involves projects like publishing school newspaper or journal, experiments on rocket, software problems or any other science or social projects which may be suggested by the teacher or by students. All these projects are planned and executed by the students themselves, individually or in groups. The focus of Project method is on applying, not imparting knowledge or skills. Project method helps in improving student involvement in practical and motivation to encourage independent thinking, social responsibility and self-confidence.

Project method has two basic approaches for implementing the project method in educational institutions. In older approach, two steps are used carryout projected: in step one, they are taught a certain course, skills and facts in a systematic way, and then they are asked to apply these skills and knowledge, creatively. In the second approach, the teacher gives them all necessary information. In other words the students choose the project, and then they discuss it with teacher what to do and how to do, in process they learn the required techniques and concepts. After that the students execute the chosen project by themselves. In both methods, time for reflection should be provided during all phases of project. It will give students the opportunity to evaluate their progress.

The classical approach has six features;

1.    Impact

In project method approach, in a short period of time, idea of project pass through all stages from an idea to implementation and analysis of the results.

2. Activity

The student has the right to make assumptions, make mistakes in the process, to gain practical knowledge and apply it in different situations, the final result and the success of the project give them pride and happiness.

3. Independence

In project method the role of the teacher is like an adviser and guide for their pupils. The teacher is no more a bearer in the acquisition of knowledge, but he is becoming a coordinators and consultants who guide children in the right direction and provide them all the help they need in the field of study.

4. Practicality

In project method it provides children practical experiences, for which they do not have real opportunity in a regular school environment. It gives them self-motivation and understanding of why they gain knowledge and how this knowledge can be applied in the real life situations.

5. Critical Thinking

The world is constantly changing, the career roadmap set years ahead, is now obsolete. Entirely new professions are emerging very fast. In this moving world search for new information is very easy with the development of the Internet, now the subject knowledge from a teacher has no more necessary, but rather to develop the skill of critical thinking and the ability to look for non-standard solutions.

6. Competence

A student doesn’t obtain his skill passively, but he performs specific tasks under the guidance of a professional teacher. A saying that “education is life itself and not a mere preparation for later living,” now students update their mathematical knowledge to have the skill of critical thinking, which is the important and wise Competence of all.

Merits of Project Method

Every method has advantages and disadvantages, following are the advantages of project method.

·         The freedom to execute a project by themselves using their skills and abilities, it fulfill their psychological needs.

·         Project method is not only subject centered, but it also gives importance to students’ activities Students are given freedom to choose their projects, as a result they use their abilities to maximum possible extent.

·         Project method provide students various opportunities through which they can satisfy their desires and fun.

·         Project method develops critical thinking in students. But with use of this scientific method the students also solve various problems by this method.

·         With project method, students get the chances to develop coordination among their body and mind. Which lead to a well-balanced personality and mental health

·         Project method is very good for teaching of science; the selected project method correlates with the real life problems, which students confront in everyday life.

·         Project method helps students in social interaction and co-operation in society, as they will have used to group activities and interact with other students and persons for gathering information. That leads to social cooperation.

·         Through project method students get knowledge directly through their own efforts, as a result the information they acquire in the process are permanent, which they can retain for a long period of time.

·         Project method reduce student homework because mostly of these projects are classroom assignments.

Demerits of Project Method

Following are the disadvantages of project method:

·         Project method is a time consuming method, on the other hand time available with the teacher is limited in the schools, and therefore it is difficult to use of this method in class.

·          This method is not practical in nature. It is not possible complete all projects for different topics in limited time with too many subjects in a year. 

·         Project method need highly knowledgeable teacher alert and gifted. The responsibility of teacher teaching using Project method is mufti-folded. He provides the students all the necessary and guidance through they can execute the project successfully.

·         One can’t give comprehensive and adequate learning by this method, as it is a method of incidental learning. To complete the subject curricula on time in systematic way, this method an additional method to do the job.

·         The utility of this method remain limited, because generally it is found that teachers do not possess the skills and information regarding this method therefore they hesitate to use this method.

Project method has some serious limitations; therefore it is not possible to use this method alone in science teaching. The best way is to use mix method approach, Teacher needs to use other methods of teaching as well with project method.  Project method can be used as a supplement teaching method along other methods