ASSIGNMENT

ON
LECTURE AND DISCUSSION
 LECTURE AND DISCUSSION

Lecture method is the traditional method of teaching. In this type of teaching

method, the flow of communication is one way i.e. from the communicator to the
audience. In this method fact, organized thoughts and ideas are presented by a
qualified person. The word lecture has been derived from the Latin word “lecture”
which means to “read aloud”.

DEFINITION

The Lecture has been defined as “teaching activity whereby teacher presents
the content in a comprehensive manner by explaining the facts, principles and
relationships, during which the teacher is expected to elicit student participation by
employing appropriate techniques”.

PURPOSES OF THE LECTURE METHOD

1. To provide structured knowledge: providing structured knowledge by integrating

and synthesising knowledge from different field or sources is the prime function of
lecture. Through lecture it is easy for teacher to provide relevant knowledge by
selecting and organising the content in the learner centred way

2. To motivate and guide in bunting knowledge: As a teacher alone cannot satisfy

the knowledge requirement of students, he/she has to explain the various sources of
knowledge. Teacher motivates the students to collect more information and guide
them properly through the information. Teacher has to give main reference as well
as general references to the student.

3. To arouse student interest in a subject: By the lecture teacher can orient the
students to a subject by explaining the need for studying it, ways of learning and
revision, mode of writing university examination etc.

4. Introduce students to new areas of learning: Innovations are occurring on a

regular basis in a diagnosis, treatment, and nursing management of disease
conditions. This innovation has created new learning areas and lecture method will
help the teacher to introduce that new area of learning.

5. To clarify difficult concepts: Teacher should use enough examples and illustrations
to clarify the concepts
6. To assist in preparing students for discussion: Before discussion teacher has to
provide a concrete idea to the students regarding the topic of discussion, aims of
discussion etc. As a means of providing this information, lecture methods helps the
teacher in creating a conductive atmosphere for discussion.

7. To promote critical thinking: Thoughtfully designed and delivered lecture can

challenge students to think critically and analytically by modelling the thinking
process according to the characteristics of the discipline.

ESSENTIALS OF LECTURE METHOD

The effectiveness of the lecture method depends to a large extent on the

following:

1. Communicator’s ability to speak and write appropriately and legibly.

2. The topic of lecture should be based on the need or interest.

3. The speaker should give the lecture in a comprehensive manner in accordance

with the receptivity level of students.

4. The speaker should make use of appropriate audio visual aids.

5. The communicator should be skilful in managing lecture in time.

6. The teacher delivering lecture should not use annoying mannerisms such as
crushing or tossing chalk, waving hands unnecessarily or making use of words such
as okay, right by repeatedly.

7. The teacher should clarify the difficult concepts with examples.

8. Proper body language should be used by the teacher while giving lecture.

9. To clarify the concepts with various examples.

10. To motivate, guide and arouse interest among students for gathering more
information related to subject or topic.

LECTURING TECHNIQUES

1.Voluntary dissemination of information: This is the essence of lecturing. Instead of

reading continuously from prepared note teacher has to converse freely with the
student because it reduces the interest of students. Of course, looking in between in
the prepared note is needed as it helps the teacher to maintain the sequence.
Practising one or two times before entering the class is regarded as the best way to
nurture spontaneity. Spontaneity is not merely a recollection of learned lessons but it
is a sudden outflow of information.

2. Adequate pacing: Too slow a pace and too fast a pace are not advisable as the
former creates boredom and the letter leads to confusion. A successful teacher
always organise the content effectively and pace the lecture in a comprehensible
manner in accordance to the receptivity level of students.

3.Proper use of body language: Action often speaks louder than words, the teacher
has to keep this in mind and be aware about the body language while lecturing. One
can maintain proper body language by practising principles of effective
communication. Maintaining eye contact with students and avoid looking out of the
window, at the wall and over the student’s head. Occasionally move towards the
students. Modest uses of hand but avoid keeping the arms crossed or hands clasped
behind.

4. Voice gradation and quality: Voice gradation is the periodical alteration of both
pitch and volume while lecturing. If there is any deficiency in the voice quality,
teacher is free enough to use a microphone attached to a sophisticated sound
system.

5. Control annoying mannerisms: Annoying mannerism is very distracting to the

students. Crushing or tossing chalk, breaking the knuckles, waving hands
unnecessarily, pinching the nose and repeatedly saying ‘so’, ‘right’, ‘okay’ are
common annoying mannerism this should be avoid or control.

6. Use of audio visual aids: In addition to black board, charts, and graphs,
advancements in educational technology offers help through a handful of
sophisticated audio visual aids to the teacher in facilitating learning by way of the
lecture method.

7. Simple plans and key points: When planning for lecture always go for a simple
plan instead of complicated ones. Select some of the key points from the content
and build the whole lecture around that key point.
 8. Elicit feedback from student: Even feedback is a vital technique, due hurry to
finish the lecture many teachers neglect it while lecturing. Feedback assists the
teacher to assess the amount of knowledge received by the students and the
progress they have achieved. Feedback is diagnostic as well as remedial not only for
students but also for the teachers.

9. Providing further clarification: One of the purposes of the lecture is to clarify

difficult concepts by citing examples or through the illustrations. Even then, after
initial clarification teacher has to assess the need for further clarification and if
needed than provide it to the students.

10. Time management: Time factor is very important in lecturing. When time
exceeds than expected, tension slowly invades the teacher and damage the lecture.
Through time bond practice by using a clock, teacher can easily develop a proportion
between time and content.

FUNCTIONS OF LECTURE

1. Delivering the relevant knowledge in an organized way centred towards

leaner as it is difficult for the student to find out & synthesize the knowledge
from sources.
2. Providing references to students to gather information relevant topic. The
reference is in form of main reference, other related books from where
information can be sought.
3. Providing brief introduction on knowledge of learning before demonstrating
the skill or introducing new area of learning.
4. Clarification of concepts with illustrations.
5. Encourages critical thinking process among students related to disciplines

WHILE CLOSING A LECTURE

1. Draw some conclusion for the class: Help students to see that a purpose has been
served, that something has been gained during the last hour. A well-planned
conclusion rounds out the presentation, ties up loose ends, suggests ways for
students to follow up on the lecture, and gives students a sense of closure.
2. Finish forcefully: Don’t allow your lecture to trail off or end in midsentence because
the period is over, and avoid the last-minute “oh, I almost forgot…” An impressive
ending will echo in student’s minds and prompt them to prepare for the next meeting.

ADVANTAGES

1. It is an efficient method of teaching where one teacher can communicate with

a large number of students.
2. Helps to apparent time saving and resources.
3. The teacher can plan exactly the presentation in advance.
4. Presence of teacher is needed so that student can see them.
5. A well-presented lecture may increase student motivation.
6. Governs a large group of students.
7. It enables to present large amount of information in a short time.
8. It gives feeling of security.
9. New knowledge may be presented which is not yet in the textbooks.
10. Since presence of teacher in the class, he has complete control over the
content and can develop the presentation according to the plan.
11. The presence of a teacher avoids interruptions and disturbance and also
gives feeling of security.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Keeps the students in passive situation, provides only limited participation and
limited level of stimulation.
2. Student’s attention may want, the need to suit the material presented to the
level of understanding of all students.
3. Lecture does not cater for individual student needs.
4. It may be difficult for students to take complete and accurate notes

DISCUSSION METHOD

It is basically a co-operative, problem solving activity which seeks a consensus

regarding the solution of a problem rather than decision by majority of vote. That is, it
is the working together in the search for the solutions of a problem of common
concern rather than just talking about a topic.

DEFINITION

“A discussion is a conversation with a focal point, such as a specific topic,

question, concept or problem, in which there is a sincere desire to arrive at a
decision.”

PURPOSES OF DISCUSSION

1. To teach context specific interpretation and application of principles, theories and

concepts: Discussion will help to interpret the principles and theories as suitable to
the context. To achieve this purpose, students should process prior knowledge
regarding topic of discussion. They can attain prior knowledge either through self-
reading or attending lecture.

2. Assist student to develop, express and validate their opinions or beliefs regarding
legal, ethical and controversial issues in nursing: In the light of social changes and
technological advancements in patient care, legal, ethical issues are gaining much
attention than ever before. In discussion, pros and cons of an opinion is critically
analysed by the group member in order to decide its validity.

3. To clarify information and concepts: Discussion helps the teacher not only to
assess the knowledge gained by students but also provides an opportunity for further
clarification.

4. To share information: Exchanging ideas or viewpoints and the conclusion drawn

at the end of discussion ultimately result in sharing of information.

5. To foster democratic values: Discussion helps the students to develop an ability

to tolerate the most contradicting opinions or viewpoints and to defend their own
viewpoints assertively.

6. To develop team building and social skills: Teamwork always divides the task and
double the success. Through discussion under the leadership of teacher’s students
learn the essentials of team building and social skills like how to elicit cooperation
from others, value the contribution of others and group process.
7. Development of right attitude: Attitude mainly caught by the students rather than
taught by the teachers. Through listening a discussion or participating in it, students
get a chance to compare their own attitude regarding an issue or situation with
others. This will motivate them to do a self-analysis

8. To develop problem solving skills as a group: It is the best method to draw group
involvement to solving a problem. A discussion under the leadership of teacher after
diving the whole group into subgroups and assigning a particular aspect of problem
to each subgroup will help to find a solution by their thinking process.

9. To arouse students interest: Discussion facilitates expression of ideas and

interaction with the teacher. This will motivate the students to prepare well through
self-learning. Facilities interact with the teacher and peer group helps them to clarify
the doubts.

RULES TO BE FOLLOWED FOR DISCUSSION

1. Ideas or views expressed by the members should be clear and concise.

2. The members have to listen to each other what is discussed among them.
3. There should not be any interruption when the member of the is discussing or
speaking.
4. Each member of group should accept the criticism gracefully, if by a member
is done.
5. The discussion should reach to a conclusion.
6. In discussion, the relevant remarks should be made by its members during
discussion.

COMPOSITION OF GROUP

1. The group leader: 1

2. The group recorder: 1

3. The group observer: 1

4. The group members: 15 to 25

1. Group leader: The leader of the group is key person. Your own ability to guide
effectively may depend the success or the failure of the discussion. The major
function of the group leader can be classified under the following headings: a.
Regulating the discussion b. Focussing the discussion c. Guiding the discussion d.
Classifying the discussion

2. Group recorder: The recorder makes a record of the salient features of the
discussions and helps the members to recapitulate or correlate with any previous
discussion. The recorder at the end will read to the group, the draft report of
discussion and obtain the consent of the group.

3. Group observer: The observer job is to use this record in analysing the behaviour
of the group and in making suggestions as to ways in which the group can act
differently and thereby improve it effectively.

4. Group members: It consists of about 15-25 members. It is neither the leader’s

responsibility alone nor is it the observer’s to create and maintain an atmosphere of
freedom so that all will feel free to participate; to keep the discussion moving
towards, its goals; to analyse the difficulties the group may encounter in attaining an
attitude.

CLASSROOM DISCUSSION TECHNIQUE

1. Proper planning of the topic with objectives and guidelines. Proper planning of the
environment in which discussion is arranged i.e. environment should be non-
threatening.

2. Adequate preparation of students in relation to topic to be discussed is required

for the success of group discussion.

3. Role of each member of group, leader of group and role of teacher need to be
clarified.

4. Teacher opens the discussion session with brief introduction of topic to be

discussed with objectives and guidelines.

5. Students are invited to express their ideas or viewpoints.

6. During discussion, teacher assumes the role of facilitator.

7. One of the students among group records the proceedings.

8. Teacher controls the group discussion by discouraging over talkative students and
involving the passive students in discussion.

9. During discussion, teacher clarifies the difficult statements to void

misinterpretation and confusion among group members.

10. Teacher redirects the course of discussion, if the discussion is deviated from the
predetermined objectives or if wasting time. 11. Teacher guides the students in
relation to pros and cons of the view points and after analysing the viewpoints, a
consensus is reached.

12. After group discussion, a concluding note in the form of summary of the
discussion, performance of students and a few words of appreciation to encourage
the students to participate in forthcoming discussions.

ADVANTAGES

1. Group discussion method involved active participation of students and

promote learning abilities of students.
2. Students’ self-esteem is enhanced as their view points or suggestions are
accepted.
3. Help the students to develop problem solving technique.
4. Develops self confidence among members of group.
5. Provides an opportunity to students to express views or skills.
6. Develops social skills and a feeling of team activity.
7. Develops ability among students to compare and contrast the knowledge on
particular topic.

DISADVANTAGES OF GROUP DISCUSSION METHOD

1. Group discussion method is time consuming as it is difficult to complete the

discussion within time.
2. Without adequate preparation of students, group discussion method is not as
useful as meaningful exchanges of views will not occur among students.
3. Sometimes, over talkative students overcome others and make other
members passive
4. Group discussion method is not effective for a larger group i.e. more than 20
members.
 5. Unequal participation of members, sometimes occur as some may dominate
others.

CONCLUSION

This assignment includes all the details about the lecture methods in that
definition, purpose, essential of lecture method, techniques, advantages and
disadvantages. This also includes discussion methods in that definition, purpose,
rules and composition, classroom discussion techniques, advantages and
disadvantages. so this will be helpful to all the students in practicing lecture and
discussion method and developing skill in conducting these methods of teaching.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Textbook references:

1. B. Sankaranarayan & B. Sindhu, “LEARNING AND TEACHING NURSING” 3 rd

edition, published by brainfill, Calicut, Pp - 135 to 141, 144 to 149. 2. KP Neeraja,

2.“TEXTBOOK OF NURSING EDUCATION” 1st edition, published by Jaypee

Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi, Pp - 255 to 258 & 279 to 280. 3. BT
Basavanthappa,

3. “NURSING EDUCATION” 1 st edition, published by Jaypee Brothers Medical

Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi, Pp – 317, 318, 321, 322.

Online references:

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lecturer

2. couglife.wordpress.com

3. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/discussion

4. letstalkbusinessfeed.blogspot.com.