Re: Student Led Discussions

Wed, 08 Jan 2003 07:16:13 -0800

I think there are a few reasons for this. First of all, for many students leading the lecture, it is their first time really getting into the material, so they are not as familiar, comfortable, etc. For me anyway, the more I know, the better I become at explaining information because I can use several examples to get the point across. Second, students are often uncomfortable presenting in front of others, so this may interfere with the teaching. To compensate, many students read directly from their notes, failing to make good eye contact, reading too fast and/or too softly to be understood well. Third, few students have had much experience with teaching. This lack of experience presenting information could mean that information is not being presented as effectively as possible. For example, students, when using powerpoint, often make the font too small for effective reading or it may be too cluttered.
I spend a day going over what makes a good, effective presentation. I start with some short clips on public speaking (which are mocked by the MST3K guys) and then move on to a class discussion about what makes a good presentation.

At 04:09 PM 1/7/2003 -0500, you wrote:

Last semester I had students lead discussions for a portion of the semester. Many of my students said that they did not "learn much" from the student-led discussions. I have heard other students also complain about other professors that use this technique. From my perspective, I thought that they would be a good way for students to learn oral presentation skills and it avoids constantly lecturing. Does anyone have any insight on how to make these more effective or has anyone had students report enjoying student-led groups?

Cheri

**********************
Cheri A. Budzynski, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Heidelberg College
310. E. Market Street
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
(419) 448-2000  ext. 2251
(419) 893-1986 ext. 4005
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Deb

Dr. Deborah S. Briihl
Dept. of Psychology and Counseling
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GA 31698
(229) 333-5994
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://chiron.valdosta.edu/dbriihl/

Well I know these voices must be my soul...
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