Eight Lecturing Basics from Barbara Gross Davis’ Tools for Teaching

Derek BruffAssistant Director

Center for TeachingVanderbilt University

Grab students’ attention with your opening.

Finish forcefully.

Make the organization of your lecture explicit.

Incorporate anecdotes and stories in your lecture.

Maintain eye contact

with the class.

Keep track of time.

Pause occasionally.

Budget time for questions.

Source: Tools for Teaching by Barbara Gross Davis (Jossey-Bass, 1993)

“Preparing to Teach the Large Lecture Course” and “Delivering a Lecture” chapters available

online.

Tools for Teaching, 2nd Edition available at booksellers.

2010 / derekbruff.com

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