Lecturing (with Powerpoint)

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

Workshop Outline    

Lecture basics Lecture design for maximum student Delivery tips for lectures PowerPoint design specifics for lectur

Lecture Basics   

Definitions Effectiveness of lecturers Goals of lectures and learning technologies

What is a lecture?  

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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?     

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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 

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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  

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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 

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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 

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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 

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Prepare 12-20 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 

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Divide lecture in 10-15 minute blocks for attention span Get students interacting with material What to intersperse?

What to intersperse?  

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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   

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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  

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

Delivery tips for lectures 

Immediacy    

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Eye contact Facial expressions Gestures and movement Voice

Practice

Workshop Outline  

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

PowerPoint design specifics for lectures     

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

Overall issues 

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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  

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