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Using Mini-lectures
Research has shown that the average student has an attention span of 15-20 minutes. Because of this, mini-lectures are a valuable tool in the large classroom setting. With their abbreviated nature, mini-lectures are perfect for:
- Introducing or discussing difficult topics
- Giving an overview of the topic
- Explaining how the subject matter relates to students' knowledge
- Explaining how the subject matter relates to students' everyday experiences
- Introducing the newest developments related to the subject matter
Mini-lectures are nothing more than amputated versions of formal lectures. Therefore, the same basic guidelines apply. The instructor should be very clear on the extent of his/her fluency regarding the subject as well as the what they hope for the students to gain from the mini-lecture and how they intend to pique the curiosity of the students and keep them interested. It is also important to consider how familiar the students may or may not be with the subject so as not to accidentally skip ahead of what knowledge they may currently have.
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