I have always enjoyed learning. Back in Japan, I was the best student in my class (to the delight of my parents). When I moved to New York and started studying marketing, I continued to take my studies seriously, attending all the lectures, workshops, and labs. Lectures. I can tell you a lot about that. You couldn’t help but notice that your professors follow a certain methodology in the way they organize them. There are several lecture types, and I’ll tell you about them. Are you interested? Then read on!
Different Types of Lectures and Their Impact on Learning
Lectures are a crucial component of college education, and let’s be honest, some can be quite thrilling, while others may not live up to the excitement. I dare say that sometimes it’s the professors themselves. Yes, I said it, sorry! However, this is not always the case. There are instances when they simply choose the wrong “format,” the type of lecture that might not align with the material they intend to cover in class. But fear not, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. Let me introduce you to the class methods. This classification comes from a study conducted by the Center for Educational Innovation at the University of Minnesota.
According to how involved a student is in class, classes are divided into groups:
- Formal “Hold-you-questions” lectures. These are recorded presentations, packed with abundant content and a well-defined structure. According to the experts behind the study, they are best suited for large student audiences. Often, students aren’t given the chance to ask questions during the presentation; they only get the opportunity to do so after the recording concludes.
- Socratic “I know what you read this summer” lectures. This lesson style is commonly found in literature classes. It relies on the assumption that students have read the assigned work and possess a good understanding of it. Consequently, students are expected to know the answers to the teacher’s questions posed during such lessons.
- Semi-formal “Don’t snooze” lectures. These classes are akin to formal ones, but here, to keep students engaged, they are encouraged to ask questions for clarification and a better understanding of the material presented.
- Lecture “C’mon, bring it on” talks. I find this type of lecture to be one of the most interesting and full of life. The teacher presents the material dynamically, actively posing questions to students, requesting them to present prepared materials.
- Interactive “Let’s have some fun” lectures. Another type of lesson I absolutely love! In these sessions, a professor keeps students on their toes by blending the material presentation with various interactive activities, like team games or quizzes with or against the teacher. These classes are usually a lot of fun and feel much more engaging, making the time fly by quickly.
The following categories are distinguished by the way the material is presented in the classroom:
- Expository “I’ll give y’all the clue” lectures. The professor immediately makes it clear what will be discussed. They communicate the main concept of the class and support it with multiple examples.
- “I have a story for y’all” lectures. This is another type of lecture I love. The professor uses a creative approach to presenting the material and tells a story that will help you to understand the main concepts. It is usually interesting and contains all the important elements of a good story.
- “Slowly but surely” lectures. The material is presented according to a clear structure, following a broad outline. Usually, one important concept is discussed and treated in a very focused, multi-step manner.
- “I’ll show you the way” lectures. If we need to discuss and learn a process or activity that will be extremely important for us to pass the exam (let’s be honest), professors use this method. Everything is explained gradually, following the chronology of events.
- Problem-solving “I got your back” lectures. The instructor focuses on a specific problem, outlines its known elements, and encourages you to work out solutions during the lesson.
3 Types of College Classes I Like the Most
As a marketing student with a passion for creativity, I have come across various types of lectures during my college journey. Some classes have left me feeling inspired and excited, while others have left me yearning for more engagement. Let me share with you the types of lectures that fuel my creativity and passion for marketing.
- Lecture-discussion. These lectures can be a game-changer. I remember one particular class where the professor delivered the material and encouraged us to actively participate by asking questions and discussing our thoughts. It was like a dynamic exchange of ideas, and I felt valued as a student. This interaction not only made the class enjoyable but also helped me grasp the concepts better. I never hesitated to share my prepared materials, and the feedback I received was invaluable.
- Interactive lecture. I love when instructors break up the traditional lesson format and spice things up with mini-activities. In one of my marketing classes, the professor used short, engaging activities between mini-classes to reinforce the concepts. We brainstormed ideas, collaborated in groups, and even had friendly competitions. These activities kept me fully engaged, and the learning felt more like an exciting journey rather than a monotonous lesson.
- Storytelling lecture. If there’s one thing that sparks my imagination, it’s a storytelling lecture. In a marketing class, our instructor transformed the subject matter into a captivating narrative. The way he presented concepts with an engaging storyline made the content come alive. I found myself immersed in the story, relating to the characters, and understanding the marketing strategies in a whole new light. It was as if I was on an adventure, and by the end of the class, I had absorbed the critical content effortlessly.
I am grateful for the teachers who have embraced these exact interactive approaches. These types of lecturers are my favorite.
Their dedication to fostering an engaging learning environment has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey. Through these classes, I have discovered that learning can be enjoyable, and my passion for marketing has flourished.
Each class has left an indelible mark on my mind, and I can’t wait to continue exploring new and exciting ways of learning in the world of marketing.
The Lecture Method I’m Not a Fan Of
As a marketing student, I also have encountered classes that didn’t quite align with my learning style and left me feeling disconnected. Let me share the types of lectures that I found less engaging and inspiring.
Source – Giphy
- Formal lecture. I remember attending a formal lesson in my early college days. The presenter had a well-organized and polished delivery, but it lacked the interactivity that I thrive on. The format felt rigid, and I found myself holding back questions until the end. It was challenging to stay fully engaged throughout the entire session, and I felt like a passive observer rather than an active participant in my learning.
- Point-by-point lecture. The instructor presented information in a structured outline format, which, while organized, lacked excitement. It felt like a monotonous recitation of facts, and I found myself zoning out at times. The hierarchical organization of points made it difficult to see the bigger picture, and I craved more creativity and context in the delivery.
The Most Mind-Numbing Lecture I Ever Had
Once, during my college experience in a marketing psychology course, I attended what I can only describe as the most mind-numbing class ever. The professor, renowned for their expertise in the subject, had a reputation for being knowledgeable but lacked the enthusiasm to engage the students. The entire lecture was a monotonous recital of dry facts and theories, delivered in a robotic tone that could put anyone to sleep.
As the minutes dragged on, I felt my mind slowly drifting away from the classroom. The professor’s monotone voice acted like a lullaby, lulling me into a state of drowsiness. Despite my best efforts to stay attentive, my eyelids felt heavier with each passing second.
The worst part was the lack of interaction and creative presentation. There were no thought-provoking questions, no real-life examples, or engaging activities to make the subject come alive. I found myself yearning for a spark of excitement, something that would ignite my curiosity and passion for marketing psychology. Unfortunately, that never came. The lectures can be so boring.