Re: learning from lectures Re: Stone article

Dewey Dykstra, Jr. (dykstrad who-is-at varney.idbsu.edu)
Wed, 8 May 1996 13:40:07 -0700

>Judy writes:
>>The smaller the number of people gathered in one place to
>>address a common topic, the less likely any one of them
>>will ignore the others; the more likely everyone will feel
>>accountable to each other as well as to what's said. That
>
> This makes sense to me! I think simply the fact that I get to know
>students' names and can respond to them in a more personal way means
>a lot in seminars; in lectures, with 90 students, I think many of them
>feel "lost in a crowd." Also, students often feel safer expressing
>thoughts in a small group than in a large lecture hall.
>
> So sorry I haven't had much of a chance to read and respond to
>recent threads. I appreciate people's thoughtful comments.
>
> Robin

Me, too. What I am wrestling with is that I am stuck with these large
"lecture" classes for the forseeable future. I occasionally see sparks of
really good discussion going on which seems to engage both directly and
vicariously many of those present in the room. I've seen much more of this
in the past than lately with at least 100 in attendance. What I'm
wondering is how to get this sort of engagement more frequently if not most
of the time. Since it _can_ happen occassionally, then why not most of the
time?

Dewey

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Dewey I. Dykstra, Jr. Phone: (208)385-3105
Professor of Physics Dept: (208)385-3775
Department of Physics/SN318 Fax: (208)385-4330
Boise State University dykstrad who-is-at varney.idbsu.edu
1910 University Drive Boise Highlanders
Boise, ID 83725-1570 novice piper
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