Beyond the Lecture

Book excerpt: Higher education is undergoing a reinvention. More and more instruction is moving beyond the traditional lecture to include active learning and engagement supported by technology. Without training, many instructors simply continue to lecture, but those wishing to develop their pedagogy can take action and move beyond passive methods of delivering content. This book is essential reading for novice instructors, for those wishing to shift from lecturing to active learning, and for experienced educators wishing to examine their teaching practice. A detailed discussion of academic research empowers instructors to examine, develop, and justify their approach to teaching. The focus across topics rests on effective interactions and the overall classroom dynamic, grounded in psychology, the science of learning, and perspectives on critical thinking. Each chapter includes self-assessments and “things to try” in order to understand current practice and develop the ability to promote student engagement, foster critical thinking, manage challenging behaviors, and positively shape the classroom dynamic. While the primary audience is the college or university instructor, the key concepts and suggestions in this book are also appropriate for pre-college teachers and for individuals interested in developing effective interpersonal interactions.