Lecture Formats Beyond the Traditional – technology blog 2 of 5

The traditional lecture where the professor talks and students take notes is still going strong, but many professors are doing different things to help students learn and to appeal to the technology-driven world.  Keep in mind that things will always be changing and that your job, as the student, is to remember how learning happens and use new developments to your advantage.  Here are some current varieties:

Flipped classrooms – students watch the lecture on their devices outside of class and then discuss and work with the material in class.  Students are expected to learn the material, so it is important to take notes as you would in a classroom.

Skeleton outlines – These are the main points the professor will cover in class with a lot of empty space.  Students are expected to take notes and fill in the blanks.  One positive of this format is that you can easily see the organization and main points of the material.  For the best learning, review the outline before class.  Students get these skeleton outlines in a variety of ways:

• Purchase a bound book of the entire semester’s lectures.
• The outline is provided on-line before the class.  Either print out or bring device to class and add your notes in the document.

Complete printed lecture provided to students on-line - The temptation is to not go to class because you have all of the material.  This, of course, is wrong!   Remember that learning needs a variety of interactions with the material, so it is important to hear the professor explain the information.  Plus, you can pick up clues to what the professor feels is important and thus might be on the exam.   With this format it is important to still take notes in class so that you are actively involved with the material.  Either take separate notes or print out the lecture with wider margins or spaces and add notes directly on the professor’s notes.

Smart classrooms – In some new classrooms everyone can connect to the computer and projector in the room and download documents, comment on the work being presented, share group work documents, etc.   Again, I would still suggest you take notes and also be sure to save all documents presented.

Power Point – there are so many varieties this requires a separate blog.  Check back next week!

*****
First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com.  Click on the upper right link.