THE LECTURE ROOMDr N. Mpofu-Hamadziripi

INDUCTION COURSE25 – 26 April 2012

Chinhoyi University of Technology

Effective Communication

“I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” - Albert Einstein

How do you start a lecture?Effective communication in the lecture room

Effective CommunicationTeaching is the communication of the facts, ideas,

skills, and techniques particular to a discipline. Teaching is a specialised form of bidirectional

communication in which the students are active (and interactive!) participants in the process of exposition

Verbal communication – be sensitive to cultural, religious, and gender differences

Written – assess your students’ writing characteristics and abilities/inabilities (Communication Skills Course)

Effective CommunicationWhen communication is effective…Learning is easierGoals are more likely to be metOpportunities emerge for expanded learningStudents and lecturer connect better

Using effective teaching methods does facilitate classroom communication.

Effective Communication"I had a biology professor from Latin America. He gave a

lecture on hung trees. I had never heard about that kind of tree before... After class a bunch of us students were talking about the hung trees. The American TA heard us and asked us what we were talking about. It was really funny. He said the lecture was about young trees, not hung trees!"

This example of miscommunication points out the necessity for student participation in the lecture room. By setting aside class time for students to explain and discuss their understanding of the course material and the lecturer’s explanations, many communication errors can be corrected before they interfere with student learning.

Effective Communication Once in a while stop and ask, 'Do you

follow?', or 'Am I clear?‘Let students know that they can stop you at

any time for clarificationEncourage students to ask questions... say,

'Good question', 'Interesting', or 'Who else has a question?'. You have to make them feel comfortable in the class...“

Be friendly and supportive of students’ comments

Effective CommunicationAvoid:SarcasmAngerBelittlingNegative expectations

These create/reinforce negative behaviour.

Effective CommunicationPromote positive behaviour with:PraiseAffirmationsPositively stated expectationsUsing appropriate language

Lecturer Conduct Gain and maintain your student’s attention Clearly articulate your goals, objectives and

expectations for the course. Vary your teaching methods Gain and maintain your student’s respect,

i.e.o Be professionalo Look professionalo Set professional expectations

Conduct ManagementThis entails the way you, the lecturer, want

your students to conduct themselves in your lecture room.

Respect for the lecturerRespect for fellow students

Being a lecturer requires conduct management skills. Failure to manage your lecture has a significant impact on the effectiveness of teaching and learning.

Conduct ManagementHandling disruptive behaviour in the lecture room, e.g.

• Cellphone disruptions• Listening to music during a lecture• Frequency of walking in & out of lecture room by

students• Talking during lecture• Sleeping• General inattentiveness• Drunkeness/intoxication• Laughing/giggling

Conduct ManagementWhen such problems arise :Stay calmSpeak to the concerned student(s) privately

in a quiet voice

NB. Pose to think before reacting to provocative /disruptive behaviour.

Content ManagementDesigning and delivering effective courses

and modules;Having a coherent and explicit set of learning

outcomes;Moving towards a student-centred approach;Having a teaching strategy that supports

your student’s learning i.e. teaching for learning.

Content ManagementWho are your learners? E.g. undergraduate,

graduate, etc.What kinds of learning are trying to achieve?

E.g. knowledge, skills, etc.How are you going to deliver the content? E.g

lectures, tutorials, practicals, etc.What learning activities can be organised to

meet the learning outcomes? E.g. case studies, problem-solving

What resources are available to you? E.g. blackboard, handouts, powerpoint, OHPs

Student MotivationWhat are some of the most effective ways in

motivating your students:variety in course content and delivery ;learner-centred teaching – making learning

the goal of the teaching-learning process;Making your lectures interactive – focus on

what activities the students can undertake in class as part of the learning process ;

Get students to discuss or evaluate the materials that they are learning.

Student MotivationProvide your students with a sense of

ownership over their learning, including how they will demonstrate their learning.

Show personal interest in the success of each of your students.

Provide encouraging feedback to all students on an individual basis.

Require students to apply newly learned skills/knowledge in practical settings

THANK YOU!!!