Resource Database: Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

This case study is based upon the papers by Mossa (1995) and Newnham (1997).

Aims:

Context:

Implementation:

Topic synthesis

Mossa was concerned that students would feel apprehensive about public speaking and time was taken to explain the objectives and what was expected. Guidelines are provided with advice for effective presentation. The presentations are organised around 10-minute talks at the start of each class by one or two students. The tasks for students are:

• Sign up for and attend one of the classes.
• Summarise the key points and concepts from the previous lecture.
• Demonstrate comprehension through discussion of which issues were most relevant.

Although this was not assessed formally the presentation was included in the 15% mark for class participation. This assessment included errors of omission, inaccuracies and overall content and coherence.

Lecture synthesis

Students were formed into groups of 4 to 8. One student from each group prepared a written review of the previous lecture on a single sheet of paper that is presented to the rest of the group at the start of the next class for a period of 3 minutes. A further 3 minutes is devoted to group discussion. The sheet, annotated with new points, is then given to the lecturer. The sequence is then:

• Student speaker presents lecture synthesis to rest of group.
• Group discussion of the synthesis.
• Summary sheet given to lecturer.
• Student reviewer for each group selected for the lecture to come.
• Lecturer comments upon reviews completed for previous lecture.

Comparison:

There are many similarities between the two case studies. Both had fairly small classes (20 to 30 students), formal assessment was not included and both limited the total time devoted to the feedback and discussion to a maximum of 10 minutes. There are differences in the logistics but not in the basic objectives. Newnham prefers students to discuss the work amongst themselves whereas Mossa opts for a more formal presentation by one or two students at the start of the lecture. Mossa stresses that students must not regurgitate but synthesise and evaluate, whilst this is not noted by Newnham. With Mossa the feedback by the lecturer takes place immediately after the student presentation whereas Newnham does this at the next class after the summary sheets have been completed.

Evaluation:

• Developing presentational skills. Students need to become effective communicators, hence develop their oral and presentational skills. The strategy outlined above provides an opportunity for students to practise and hone these skills.
• Promoting deep learning. This approach requires students to think critically, to evaluate each lecture, hence promoting deep rather than surface learning.
• Effective note taking. A good presentation requires that a student pays full attention and takes accurate and effective notes.
• Variety. Having more than one main speaker adds variety to the lecture.
• The lecturer is better able to gauge how well students understood the previous lecture.
• The lecturer may obtain invaluable insights into the understanding of particular students and be able to identify any experiencing difficulties.

Problems did occur. In Mossa's case, some students talked for too long or tried to repeat the lecture rather than synthesise and evaluate. The approach by Mossa could be seen as a 'trial by fire': an audience of peers can be highly critical. The tasks require students to think critically, to take effective notes and to be able to present their ideas, but this could easily become a frightening and intimidating experience. A key issue is how are the students taught and helped to achieve these aims?

Newnham's approach encouraged discussion especially for students who were uncomfortable at presenting their views to a large audience. It would be problematic if applied to a large class both in terms if suitable accommodation and time if several groups of 4 to 8 are to meet, talk and then listen to a lecture. What works for large classes can work for smaller classes but not necessarily vice-versa.

When asked how this method could be improved, Mossa's students suggested that the 10 minute timing should be strictly enforced and that the summary be produced as a 1-page handout for circulation. Despite these reservations over public speaking the student evaluation of both of these exercises was highly favourable. In Mossa's case all students felt it helped their retention of material and 84% felt their comprehension had improved. All of Newnham's students felt the lecture review sheets were useful and 67% felt the process worked well and should be continued.

Summary:

The presentation of two quite different approaches but with similar goals demonstrates the flexibility of lecture review. There are obstacles to be overcome but if students can be encouraged to participate then there would appear to be a number of advantages to be gained by all involved.

References

Newnham, R.M. (1997) Lecture reviews by student in groups, Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 21(1), pp.57-64.

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