IN HIS PERSPECTIVE “FAREWELL, LECTURE?” (2 JANUARY, P. 50), E. Mazur critizes traditional lectures while praising the virtues of a new interactive electronic approach. While the new approach may enhance student learning, the traditional lecture approach can be very effective if conducted with a passion for teaching, respect for the students, strong knowledge of the subject area, easy accessibility in and out of the classroom (getting to know the student), and, above all, theatrical performance.

A teacher is similar to an actor, whose sole goal is to capture the audience’s attention for the duration of the performance, while at the same time delivering the lines. Teaching is indeed a form of acting, with all of its intricacies: movement around the classroom, voice inflections, display of emotions, and intense physical gestures, as well as visual, verbal (questions and answers), and even physical interactions with students. Capturing and holding the attention of each student with an intense, strong, exciting, passionate, and memorable acting (teaching) performance is indeed a worthy and effective approach that enhances the traditional lecture experience and overall learning. It is certainly one that is ultimately deeply appreciated and amply rewarded by the students.

Credit: Michael Hadjiargyrou

Source: http://science.sciencemag.org