This module introduces the topic of teaching large groups through lecturing, and links closely with the modules Facilitating learning in the workplace and Small group teaching. It briefly considers how lecturing can be conceptualised, planned and structured, and looks at some of the techniques teachers can use in their lecturing to maximise individual and collective learning. It also includes some strategies for identifying and avoiding the pitfalls that can occur.
 
By the end of the module you should have learned and refreshed some of the fundamentals of preparing and planning an effective lecture, and considered some of the issues involved in ensuring that the learning environment is conducive to learning for all those involved. You will have opportunities to apply the learning from the module to your own practice through carrying out activities and reflection.

Before you start

Before you start the module we recommend that you spend a few minutes thinking about the following points and noting down some of your thoughts. If you are registered on the site, you can do this in the ‘reflections area’. Click on the ‘my area’ link at the top of the page to access your personal pages. Please note that you must be logged in to do this. Please also note that you will need to contribute to the ‘reflections area’ during the course of the module in order to complete and print out your certificate.

Lectures are still the mainstay of higher education teaching, and often they are the only practical and cost-effective means of ensuring that curricula can be delivered in full to large numbers of students. The lecturing style and technique is also often used successfully in conferences and workshops.

It is useful to determine what lectures can offer, and what the main constraints of this method of teaching are.