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  • Need to shift from lecture based to interactive classrooms
  • Posted By:
  • Kathy H
  • Posted On:
  • 24-Jul-2009
  • Most of the higher education classes are dominated by lectures which are read out usually from notes. This results in an environment that is less interactive and a one way street. Students spend their time in class just sitting around in a passive manner slowly falling into a sleepy and drowsy state while the lecturer drones away in monotonous tones.

    Students are expected to just swallow and digest information thus presented to them. While some students laboriously write down notes, others record the lectures in a cassette recorder. Typically a student has to pay attention to a couple of things namely listening to lectures and taking down notes.

    It is a common assumption that one of the best methods of instruction in higher education is the lecture based. This follows a notion that students are most comfortable with lectures. The lecturer is thought to possess enough knowledge on the subject to pass on to students. It is also believed that lectures are very effective and makes it easy for students to absorb what is being said and apply.

    There has to be a situation where this method of teaching in higher education changes for the better. According to educational psychologists, there are certain methods which can improve the quality of imparting education. One of the major factors lacking in students is the interest level. It is in the hands of the instructor to develop an interest in students on the subject he or she teaches.

    Routine and boredom can be avoided by bringing in a more interactive environment in classes. This will stimulate and retain interest in students. The goal here must be to get students to provide their views on every subject taught. Optimal achievement in students is possible by providing them with a high level of motivation. It is a well known fact that a motivated student performs much better than an unmotivated one of the same intelligence level.

    Curriculum can be designed in such a manner that it includes lessons that are functionally useful in day to day life. Students love learning about useful skills and knowledge as compared to loads of lessons which have little or no relevance.

    Knowledge must be imparted in a logical and concept based method. There must be sufficient depth and intensity in the subject matter taught. Before moving forward with instructing students on a particular subject matter, it is the duty of the professor to explain in detail the reason for the particular subject and its relevant uses on a day to day basis. This will ensure the students are clear about why they are learning about a particular subject. So, stressing the importance of the content is a vital aspect to be considered.

    As every student is different in nature, attention must be given on an individual basis. There is no sense in generalizing expectations. There are various contributing factors for the performance levels of a student. An  interactive atmosphere in classroom will bring out different facets and skills of students and motivate them to perform better.







 

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