Lecture method

Lecture method is most convenient and inexpensive method of teaching any subject. Lecture method is teacher controlled and information centered approach in which teacher works as a role resource in classroom instruction. In this method, the only teacher does the talking and the students is passive listeners. This creates dullness in the classroom as the interaction between the pupil and teacher ceases to occur. In the field of education, lecture method is used very frequently. This method is used in order to acquire knowledge and concept. Lecture method mainly focuses on cognitive objectives. The main emphasis of this strategy is the presentation of the content. In his method teacher plans and controls the whole teaching learning process. To make the lecture interesting, the teacher can take the help of audio-visual aids.

Principles of lecture method

·         A student can learn better through listening.

·         Through lecture method, the teacher makes an attempt to impart perfect and complete knowledge of the subject or the topic to the students.

·         Subject matter can be correlated with other subjects.

·         New knowledge is given related to previous knowledge.

When to use lecture method?

·         It is used to give an overview of a large unit.

·         This method is an effective way for motivating pupils and developing their interest in the subject.

·         It is used for supplementing the pupils reading and for clarifying main concepts.

·         This method helps to save the time of students by providing important information in short time period.

·         This method is used to provide background.

Steps of lecture method

    (1) Preparation for the lecture

This include silent points like

·         Appropriate language and manner of presentation according to the nature of students.

·         Selection of audio-visual aids and instructional materials.

·         Planning the motivational technique

·         Anticipating certain difficulties and problem during the lecture

·         Finding suitable solution and alternatives to these barriers to a successful lecture.

    (2) Introduction to the lecture

It should be done briefly and if it is executed poorly, it can initially kill off the enthusiasm of the student.

    (3) Giving the body of the lecture

The teacher should have given cognitive frame work upon which he relies to achieve a more logical presentation.

    (4) Conclusion of the lecture

Following techniques can be used to wrap up the lecture

·         Summarizing the major points presented

·         Forming generalization

·         Giving implications

Advantages of lecture method

·         It helps in developing the habit of concentration among the students

·         Lecture method presents the subject matter in a systematic way

·         It develops good audience habits

·         Through this method, new subject matter can easily be introduced

·         It enables linkage between previous knowledge with a new one

Disadvantages of lecture method

·         Since this is a teacher centered method so it provides very little scope for student activity

·         Students play a passive role in this method

·         Individual differences are not taken into consideration.

·         It cannot be used for achieving psycho-motor objectives.