One Observation

I am trying to experience every teaching style. As of this semester, I am able to have both extremes at once. I have had both a strict lecture class and a whole group discussion class. I grabbed the opportunity to observe other students. My own feelings count also, but I am very opinionated and decided to leave myself out of this little experiment. The strict lecture class is exactly what it sounds like...BORING. This class only meets once a week which puts the students in the seats for 160 minutes. Imagine sitting in a cold, hard school chair for 160 minutes listening to a professor speak about a topic that is not all that enthralling. This becomes more of a nap time rather than a class time. Lecture can be good for specific classes and at specific times; however, I would stay as far away from it as possible. On the other hand, a whole class discussion - my favorite - brings the entire class to be hands on and participate. The professor will begin the discussion by posing a question and then the class will take off with the idea. The class can have a tendency to get a little off topic and that's when the professor will step in and guide the class back on track. Students were engaging, having an elaborate discussion, seeing different perspectives, debating, and keeping a learning environment. Students benefit more from a hands on, whole class discussion rather than a lecture. Brains are working when having to discuss and analyze. Someone should probably inform the lecture teachers that students aren't benefitting!!!