Active Learning During Lectures

This chapter focuses on active learning during lectures. Even if therapists are only teaching for an hour or two, there are many activities that can be incorporated into their lectures. These will help to hold the interest of the learners and will encourage participation. This is particularly important when teaching large groups where many people feel inhibited. During the lecture, it can be useful to divide the learners into small groups. This has the advantage that those who tend not to participate in a larger context may contribute their ideas and gain confidence. Learners can also test ideas on a few of their peers before presenting them to the whole group. Very specific instructions are required to be given if small group activities are to work well; the learners must know precisely what is required of them or muddle will ensue. A certain amount of time pressure can inspire good group work, though too little time can trivialize the tasks undertaken.