AuthorAID Train-the-Trainers Workshop on Teaching Research Writing

1. AuthorAIDTrain-the-Trainers Workshopon Teaching Research Writing Ethiopia November 2011

2. Giving Effective Lectures Ravi Murugesan AuthorAID Training Coordinator, INASP rmurugesan@inasp.info

3. Introductory Comments • Main topics to be discussed: • Things lectures are and aren’t good for • Ways to engage the audience • Ways to organize a lecture meaningfully • Other tips for ensuring a lecture is clear • Reminders: using audiovisual aids

4. Things Lectures Are and Aren’t Good For • Perhaps surprisingly, not good for conveying lots of information • What could be better for doing so? • Some things lectures are good for: • Emphasizing key points • Providing a structure for independent learning • Combining content from various sources • Generating interest • Introducing resource people (and other resources)

5. Engaging the Audience (to Help Attendees Learn): Some Tips • Relate what you say to what already interests the group. (What are some examples?) • Try to stimulate curiosity. • Use an engaging speaking style. • Use audiovisuals, if appropriate. • Have variety (in activities, maybe in speakers). • From time to time, give attendees an active role. (How could you do so?)

6. Some Important Advice • Limit the lecture to a few main points. • How can you do so and still make the lecture informative?

7. Organizing the Content Meaningfully: Some Tips • Tell them what you’ll tell them, tell them, and tell them what you’ve told them. • Relate the content to what attendees already know and what they will do in the future. • Example: writing journal articles • Give the lecture a simple, logical structure. • In general, present overviews before details. • Include summaries.

8. Making the Material Clearby Other Means: Some Tips • Remember to define terms (and to remind people of definitions). • Avoid or greatly limit the use of abbreviations (alphabet soup). • Repeat or otherwise emphasize important ideas. • Make relationships between ideas clear. • Use audiovisual aids, if appropriate. • Check with the audience.

9. Using Audiovisual Aids:Some Reminders • Remember: Audiovisuals should be aids—not ends in themselves. • Keep visuals simple, and make sure they are legible. • Check the room and the equipment beforehand. • Show visuals only at relevant times. • Keep each visual in view long enough.

10. Questions for Discussion • What items (not yet mentioned) from the session on giving presentations could apply to giving lectures on research writing? • What other suggestions do you have for giving lectures on research writing? • What questions do you have about using lectures in teaching research writing?

11. Thank you!