What's the Use of Lectures?

How much is scientifically known about lecturing? Is the lecture method any use? What makes a lecture effective? Now in its sixth edition, this has been the standard text on lecturing technique for the thirty years following its first publication in 1971. The chapters have all been fully updated and extended to incorporate new issues facing education in the twenty-first century. The book: - details factors affecting the learning of information, - considers the techniques of lecturing (including organisation), - shows how to make specific points, use handouts, and obtain feedback, - discusses virtual teaching techniques for distance learning, - offers alternative approaches when lecturing is not appropriate. Using scientifially-controlled findings, this book confronts the accepted wisdo, to suggest that the lecture method can convey information; but it cannot be used effectively on its own to promote thought or to change and develop attitudes. Research also suggests that there are consistent differences in the effectiveness of individual lecturers. With such crucial information for lecturers and professional trainers at all levels of experience, this book will arouse great interest