Lecturing is a Political Activity?

In: Politics, Band 15, Heft 2, S. 135-140

Abstract

A polemic is presented, arguing that the traditional lecture (in which the teacher speaks all or most of the time) is both educationally ineffective and in part a political authoritarian act. For those teachers and students who accept this interpretation two suggested directions are outlined. One is to change the form of the lecture to include more student centred activities. Alternatively staff can develop courses with few or no lectures. In conclusion I argue that aspects of the politics of higher education obstruct teachers and students who wish to teach and learn in these more effective ways.