MervinDecember 21, 2009 2:19 PM

One of the approaches that can be used to engender thought and discussion is to issue a pre-written index cards to classmates. The card would contain a question or comments about the content being study. At an appointed time students should be asked to read their questions or comment and then respond.

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1. tomlinpaulDecember 26, 2009 5:38 PM

   Rather than "lecturing" in the traditional manner why not when possible use a case scenario to lead a discussion and generate interest and illustrate content? I am a growing fan of case-based teaching and learning. This approach can engage other techniques such as "Think-Pair-Shre" etc as you ask questions on the case. Leave 10 minutes at the end to summarise the key points.
   
   Another point is to encourage .... if not demand that students pre-read prior to the lecture. That makes it all more engaging when students have a good sense of what the lecture is about and can engage you with more meaningful comments and questions... which really means that they are using the time in the classroom more effectively.
   I recall not having a clue about many lectures during my student years and often falling asleep. A quick pre-read the night before might have better stimulated my mind.... without the side effects of coffee!! :)

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2. 
   orvilleJanuary 21, 2010 5:26 AM

   Another method that I use in my large lectures is to post the notes on-line and encourage students to read them before coming to class. This then facilitates robust and beneificial discussions on the various topics in the syllabus.
   Preparing the notes and posting them in OURVLE is not a "spoon feeding" exercise as some people think. The lecturer now has the ability to direct the discussion and students are better able to contribute, since they are not busy taking down notes. The lecturer is in a better position to build a community of learners including him/herself. Yes, you will find that some students will avoid attending classes, since they have the complete notes, but these are the ones who would have been disinterested in the subject matter, anyway.
   This method can be tried and experiences shared in this forum.