Is there now hope that teachers will stop torturing their students with lectures?

Question

I never liked lectures because they didn't include a typed copy of the lecturer's lecture. The idea of having to try to write down a note about a point I thought might be important, and doing so while hoping not to miss another point that might be uttered while I was writing my note about an earlier point was torture for me. I really couldn't understand the value of that approach to teaching.

Today, I read an article in WebMD about multitasking having a negative effect on learning. With that now known, is their hope that lecturers will finally stop torturing their students?

Incidentally, the article on WebMD indicated that when learning took place in an environment free of distractions, the student's learning was the result of activity in one part of the brain, and when multitasking, the learning was the result of activity in a different part of the brain. Subsequent tests revealed multitasking had a negative effect on retention.

Answer 1

Lots of teachers don't use the lecture style approach, and lots of them provide notes and/or outlines for students. So yeah, it's changing. If the lecture is interesting, I see nothing wrong with it. Students ought to be able to listen to someone speak and pick out the main ideas. It's what we do in everyday life with everyday conversations (but we don't take notes). Why not in the classroom? I much prefer brief lecture and then whole classroom discussion. Many other teachers love this too- the problem? Their students won't talk! The teachers are forced to continue lecturing.

Answer 2

When I lectured to my classes, I also put notes on the board for them to copy. If I handed out the lecture notes, the students seldom read them. At least by copying notes from the board, something was sinking in.

Answer 3

I understand what you mean. Especially in college!! They don't stop for you to write it down. They keep talking and you try and short hand the notes and you miss something they say and later you can't remember the the short hand means. I learn better when there is some kind of activity or project. If I have to teach it to myself through research, etc. it seems to stick.

Answer 4

Lectures are being fazed out and hands on learning is being moved in. So people are just different learns. Some are audio, visual, motional learners. There are all different types... Good teachers try to create lessons that touch on all of these. When you are learning in your style retention is inevitable. Hope that helped.

Answer 5

I never take notes in lecture.

Answer 6

I always take notes.