Definition of Lectures

The lecture is a set of words spoken by the instructor. It is conducted in a verbal format offering a relatively passive and un stimulating experience for learners.

The lectures should:

Speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard. Amplification of the voice is done if there are a large number of listeners. A microphone is also used for this purpose.

A lecture should be centered around a single theme or thesis.

Develop inherent, exclusive topics of discussion.

Develop each area of discussion with a variety of evidence. This includes samples, statistics, and objects of display, illustrations, quotations, analysis and concrete examples.

Visual aids can be used effectively. There can be short breaks in the lecture. No law prohibits the lecturer from asking questions or pausing for discussion.

The learners can be supplied with a syllabus, a carefully structured notepad on which they can take notes. A lecture must involve participation among the listeners.

Advantages and disadvantages of lectures as quoted from Bonwell (1996) who cited Cashin (1985) as the original author.

Advantages of the Lecture

Effective lecturers can communicate the intrinsic interest of a subject through their enthusiasm.

Lectures can present material not otherwise available to students.

Lectures can be specifically organized to meet the needs of particular audiences.

Lectures can present large amounts of information.

Lectures can be presented to large audiences.

Lecturers can model how professionals work through disciplinary questions or problems.

Lectures allow the instructor maximum control of the learning experience.

Lectures present little risk for students.

Lectures appeal to those who learn by listening.

Disadvantages of the Lecture

Lectures fail to provide instructors with feedback about the extent of student learning.

In lectures students are often passive because there is no mechanism to ensure that they are intellectually engaged with the material.

Students’ attention wanes quickly after fifteen to twenty-five minutes.

Information tends to be forgotten quickly when students are passive.

Lectures presume that all students learn at the same pace and are at the same level of understanding.

Lectures are not suited for teaching higher orders of thinking such as application, analysis, synthesis, or evaluation; for teaching motor skills, or for influencing attitudes or values.

Lectures are not well suited for teaching complex, abstract material.

Lectures requires effective speakers.

Lectures emphasize learning by listening, which is a disadvantage for students who have other learning styles

Orations are for new employees. The first several days on the job are crucial in the success of new employees. This point is illustrated by the fact that 60 percent of all employees who quit do so in the first ten days. Orientation training should emphasize the following topics:

The company’s history and mission.

The key members in the organization.

The key members in the department, and how the department helps fulfill the mission of the company.

Personnel rules and regulations.

Some companies use verbal presentations while others have written presentations. Many small businesses convey these topics in one-on-one orientations. No matter what method is used, it is important that the newcomer understand his or her new place of employment.