Search Modules > Large_Group_Teaching

Introduction

TopTraditionally, the predominant mode of delivering instruction to large group of students (learners) is through didactic lectures in which students are mainly passive listeners and recipients of abundant content knowledge (often referred to as ‘information’ in today’s context,). This has been highly criticised as “…information that taxes the memory but not the intellect. ” (GMC, UK 1993). Of course didactic lectures assume that, so long as the teacher delivers the intended knowledge (‘pearls of wisdom’), effective student learning will occur. Although many severe criticisms have been made against the didactic lecture as a learning strategy for students, yet the lecture is still a popular mode of delivering instruction.

Today, however, it is strongly advocated that learners (students) should be actively engaged in the teaching-learning process- aimed at transformative learning to shape the minds, hands and hearts of learners. Thus, transformative learning is expected to nurture and develop lifelong habits of mind, action and behavior of students in their educational preparation to become future practitioners in the 21st century.

The primary focus of this workshop is on how best to teach effectively in large group settings, yet actively engage students in their learning. In this context then, several interactive teaching-learning strategies (also referred to as ‘discussion pedagogy ’) will be reviewed as potential strategies for student engagement in their learning, and which participants may wish to adopt/adapt and apply in their own teaching environments. In the course of the review, key learning principles underpinning the various strategies will also be discussed.

Learning Outcomes

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By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

- discuss the key learning principles of large group teaching

- apply relevant large group teaching strategies into their own teaching-learning environments

- develop efficient and innovative large group teaching activities

Assignment (Option 1)

TopDevelop a lesson plan for one large group teaching session based on what you have learnt during the workshop and to develop a 5 minute edited video clip of yourself 'live in action' during the large group teaching session.
You may choose to use the downloadable sample of lesson plan in the Workbin, or to develop your own.

Assignment Deadline: 27 July 2015

Assignment (Option 2)

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"Make sure that lectures are not just 'transmit-receive' occasions. Little is learnt by students just writing down what the lecturer says, or copying down information from screens or boards." - Tomorrow's Professor Msg, #491 Practical Pointers on Preparing and Giving Lectures.

What would you do to ensure that your students are learning effectively and efficiently from your lectures?

Please provide your candid comments.

Assignment Deadline: 27 July 2015