The lecture method is not considered one of the most effective methods of teaching as the students are often mere passive listeners. However, some topics do require the use of lecture method. In fact this method can be used quite effectively if a few rules are followed.

Lecture

Teaching in higher classes mostly follows the lecture method, with the convenience it offers. It is a good method for introducing a new topic.

A lecture can be used to cover a large syllabus area in a limited time. It can not only enlighten an assembly, but motivate it and even inspire it. In Computer science and technology, the information given in textbooks may be outdated. Even the latest update can be presented to the classroom through a lecture. Above all, many teachers enjoy their lectures because of their potential for aesthetic pleasure.

·In spite of these merits, we should remember that the lecture method is not considered as one of the most effective methods of teaching.

·The pupils have little involvement; they are often mere passive listeners or silent witnesses.

·Those with poor listening skills do not benefit much. If they do not take notes, they will forget most of what they have heard.

·Some lectures may be boring; this may lead to the pupils losing interest in the subject or even hating it.

·If reverse questions are not encouraged, pupils who have not followed a part may not grasp what comes later. This results in a teaching disaster.

As a solution to some of the problems indicated above,

Ø The lecture should be started enthusiastically by giving 5 minutes of technology news or any other latest news which is delivered by the students randomly. This will develop student’s interest in the subject and will also lead to the active participation of the entire class in such activity.

Ø Teachers should ensure pupils’ participation in classroom lectures.

Ø They should maintain good eye contact with the pupils, carefully watch their reactions, and confirm that they remain interested in the lesson.

Ø The teacher should pose questions and get answers that help in the development of the lesson. Further, questions from students, seeking clarifications or further explanation, should be encouraged in order to ensure their active participation.

Ø There should be appropriate gestures and cadences in the voice to avoid monotony in the lecture.

Ø The teacher has to be enthusiastic right through the lecture. Important points should be emphasized through pauses or repetition or appropriate gestures.

Ø For example: first show the wood and then point at the trees.

Ø Never speak continuously from the beginning to the end of a period. There has to be breaks for questions and interaction.

Ø The chalkboard should be used in tandem to note down the vital points.

Ø Other teaching aids may also be used, if appropriate.

Ø If a pupil makes a mistake, the teacher should correct him.

Ø There should be no sarcasm in the teacher’s words, since it would dissuade pupils from active participation.

Ø There has to be a conclusion that highlights all the essential points.

Ø The pupils should prepare notes based on the discussion.

If you think you will fail, then you definitely will! Success requires a mindset to succeed. Knowledge and skills are not enough if your mind is not geared towards success. Self-regulation and direction of the mind to welcome success are absolutely necessary.

What are fixed and growth mindsets?

A person with a fixed mindset sees mistakes as failures and is of the belief that their knowledge and learning are fixed according to their intelligence levels. They do not make the extra effort as they feel effort is useless. On the other hand, people with a growth mindset treat mistakes as a feedback to put them back on track to pursue their goals. They are of the faith that their intelligence and knowledge can grow and they make extra effort to win. It has been seen that students with a fixed mindset usually opt for easier courses as they feel they cannot handle difficult ones. How others perceive them is very important to them. But those with a mindset of growth take on challenges and persist even when the going gets tough. They use their potential to the full to achieve the best. So, conversion of the fixed mindset to a growth mindset is required.

Edison’s story

Thomas Alva Edison made more than 14,000 attempts before he could successfully create the electric bulb. When he had failed for the 10,000th time a reporter asked him how he felt. According to Edison he had not failed at all but found out successfully 10,000 ways that do not create a light bulb. This is a perfect example of how a growth mindset works.

Role of teachers (and parents too!)

Standardized tests are somewhat responsible in creating a fixed mindset among students who gauge their success or failure through their marks in the tests. This hampers motivation to a large extent and puts a break on learning. A lot depends on the teachers and they have to devise ways to make use of standardized tests without harming the mindset of the students. The students should not evaluate their self worth based on these scores. The CCE method of CBSE has taken this in consideration and is in accordance with creating a growth mindset among children.

Our mind is like a car. The driver decides the direction and the goal. We all have to be in the driver’s seat to decide where we are headed. In this case it is the teacher who is in the driving seat. He or she has to help the students manage their minds in a positive manner while edging them quietly towards their goals. Teachers cannot do this alone and need to be supported by parents and the students themselves. When applied correctly with the right mindset there is no saying to what pinnacles of success knowledge and skills can take a person!