The lecture lecture
Ashwin Ram

Preparing a lecture
    Know the material
    Don't plan a 90 minute lecture for a 90 minute class
    Prepare lecture notes
        Types of lecture notes: Outline, Major points, Tree diagram
        Don't prepare a detailed script

Organizing a lecture
    Decide what content to cover
    Arrange the content in a meaningful sequence
        Types of arrangements: Topical, Sequential, Symbolic, Structural, Problem-Solution
    Pick good examples
    Vary the style of the lecture
        Types of lectures: Expository, Interactive, Case study

Delivering a lecture
    Come early and feel out the lecture hall
    Structure the lecture in 10-15 minute blocks
        Give time for questions
        Tell them when you're moving on
    Tell them what you're going to tell them, then tell them, then tell them what you told them
        Begin with a catchy example
        Write an outline on the board
        Check off the outline as you go along
        Summarize the main points at the end
    Be interactive
        Make eye contact
        Ask questions, don't just give them facts
        Be opportunistic, relate what you're saying to current topics and discuss
    AV presentations
        The AV isn't the lecture, your lecture is the lecture
        AV should help but not distract
        Don't put too much on a slide

Customizing a lecture
    Large lectures vs. small sections
        Encourage questions even in large lectures
        Encourage discussion in small sections
        Moderate discussions and facilitate learning, don't provide all the answers
    Handouts
        Writing notes is good
        Copying down everything you say is bad
        Give them what you don't want them to spend time copying
    Engaging and motivating students
        Come early and talk with students
        Encourage questions
        Learn names
        Don't stand behind the lectern, move around
        Make expectations clear
 
 Reference
    Some of this material is taken from B.G. Davis (1993), Tools for Teaching, Jossey-Bass Publishers, San Francisco, CA.