Lecturing

  Lecture Snapshots

Imagine you’re preparing to give a lecture. Quickly jot down the three most important things you’d want your students to learn from it. After you note your ideas, reflect:

  • Are your points clear and focused?
  • Could you enhance these with visuals or examples?
  • How would you engage students to keep them involved?

Making Lectures Engaging and Effective

Lectures remain a staple in university classrooms, serving as a bridge between the audience, content, and instructor. They are particularly effective when:

  • Students lack prior background knowledge on a topic.
  • Topics are complex, conflicting, or confusing.
  • The instructor's expertise adds clarity or unique insights.

Great lectures go beyond sharing information—they inspire curiosity, clarify tough concepts, and motivate further learning. However, lectures can sometimes feel passive, limiting student interaction and offering only the instructor’s perspective.

Best Practices for Engaging Lectures

  1. Focus on a Single Topic
    • Define your objectives: What 3–5 key takeaways do you want your students to leave with?
  2. Use Visuals Effectively
    • Sync your slides or images with your talk. Use graphics to illustrate ideas and concepts for better comprehension.
  3. Know Your Style
    • Find a presentation approach that feels natural to you. Whether formal or conversational, your comfort and confidence will resonate with your students.

By approaching lectures as dynamic learning experiences, you can make your teaching more impactful and engaging.

Further Reading & Resources:

   , Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching

   , Harvard University Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning (document linked at bottom of page)