The traditional lecture as a pedagogical tool seems to be at a crossroad in the 21st century. Supporters of lectures view the technique as an efficient way to transmit information to students and a tried-and-true teaching method that has historically worked. On the other hand, critics view lecturing as a passive approach to learning that does not allow students to wrestle with concepts, synthesize and apply ideas, and participate in experiential learning.
In this workshop, we seek to go beyond this dichotomy by identifying the pros and cons of lecturing, and how techniques can be applied to cultivate student engagement in lecture-based environments.
Northwestern’s Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching facilitates this free workshop.
About the Facilitators:
Warren Snead is a fourth year PhD candidate in the Political Science department. His research examines the many ways in which the U.S Supreme Court influences Congressional politics and the development of public policy at the federal level. In the classroom, Warren has served as a Teaching Assistant for Constitutional Law, Dilemmas of American Power, and the American Presidency. Before coming to Northwestern, Warren taught history, civics, and geography at a middle school in Virginia Beach, VA.
Jonathan Schultz is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Chemistry Department. He uses experimental and theoretical tools to examine the function of quantum mechanics in harvesting solar energy. His ambitions to develop and share pedagogical tools stem from the role his mentors have played in shaping his own career. He has served as a teaching assistant in several general chemistry courses and an advanced physical chemistry lab at Northwestern. As a volunteer for the Science Club Mentor Program, Jon realized a passion for boosting the accessibility of science. He now seeks to use graduate research as an active learning tool at Northwestern.
When: Wednesday, April 28, 10:00-11:30am U.S. Central Time via Zoom (will receive Zoom information upon registration)