Lecturing (with PowerPoint) Donna Ellis, TRACE & Colin Campbell, IST

Workshop Outline Lecture basics Lecture design for maximum student learning Lecture design for maximum student learning Delivery tips for lectures PowerPoint design specifics for lectures

Lecture Basics Definitions Effectiveness of lecturers Goals of lectures and learning technologies

What is a lecture? Traditionally didactic More interactive approaches “A teaching technique that involves some talking on the part of the instructor, may involve student input, and may be supported by visuals”

What makes a lecturer ineffective?

What makes a lecturer effective? Indicates value of course to students Motivates students to do their best Communicates effectively with students Provides a clear structure Creates a comfortable environment for learning Shows concern for students Is knowledgeable about course material

Goals of a lecture Impart information efficiently Show conceptual organization Clarify tricky issues Reiterate critical points Motivate students to learn more Be engaging Help students learn material

Goals of learning technologies Support instruction and student learning Easy to maintain Can incorporate many tools into one Show concepts that are difficult to explain or visualize

Workshop Outline Lecture basics Lecture design for maximum student learning PowerPoint design specifics for lectures Delivery tips for lectures

Lecture design for maximum student learning Consider course goals and structure Consider audience Use clear structure for each lecture Design lecture in small blocks Encourage note-taking Prepare own notes

Consider your course goals and structure Identify your goals and how much students need to know Pick central points that tie together many points – provide big picture Put points into logical sequence Highlight difficult concepts

Consider your audience Match content to their background and interests Anticipate and answer their questions Identify difficult concepts Understand expectations of today’s students

Use a clear structure Know your “take-home message” Begin with short review then preview Give motivation statement Cover 2-4 main points Make transitions with mini summaries Wrap up with complete summary and preview for next class

Use a clear structure – cont’d Prepare slides per 50-minute lecture Budget time for questions and activities PowerPoint works best with linear, hierarchical format A less linear format is possible

Design lecture in small blocks Divide lecture in minute blocks for attention span Get students interacting with material What to intersperse?

Whole group discussion Small group or individual problem-solving, activity, or project Video clips Demonstrations – live or virtual Quiz Question and answer session Examples Rhetorical questions

Encourage note-taking Have a clear structure Pace delivery to fit note-taking Only put key points on visuals Use progressive disclosure Teach note-taking skills

Prepare your own notes Not a script, but an outline Be flexible Include examples, analogies, definitions, solved equations Add delivery notes Limit to 1-3 pages Avoid using screen as notes

Workshop Outline Lecture basics Lecture design for maximum student learning Delivery tips for lectures PowerPoint design specifics for lectures

Delivery tips for lectures Immediacy Eye contact Facial expressions Gestures and movement Voice Practice

Workshop Outline Lecture basics Lecture design for maximum student learning Delivery tips for lectures PowerPoint design specifics for lectures

Overall issues to consider Slide content Text characteristics Use of colour Special effects

Overall issues Match instructional needs with appropriate technology Use visuals to communicate messages May need to re-think course when use a technology Initially may need more preparation time, but easy and cost-effective to maintain

PowerPoint design specifics for lectures Overall issues to consider Slide content Text characteristics Use of colour Special effects

Workshop Outline Lecture basics Lecture design for maximum student learning Delivery tips for lectures PowerPoint design specifics for lectures