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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > November  >
In the Classroom
Use of the Mid-Lecture Break in Chemistry Teaching: A Survey and Some Suggestions
David K. Smith
Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, United Kingdom
Cover
November 2006
Vol. 83 No. 11
p. 1621
Abstract
This article uses student feedback to explore student attitudes towards the use of lecture breaks. The survey illustrates that undergraduates genuinely value such breaks, finding them educationally useful and enhancing their enjoyment of the lecture experience. By comparing and contrasting the perceived value of different types of lecture breaks, a clear overview of the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches is given. The lecture demonstration is the "gold standard" among lecture breaks in chemical science. However, it is shown that contextualized fascinating-fact lecture breaks can come close to rivalling practical demonstrations for engaging students' interest in a topic. Problem-solving exercises can, in the right setting, have significant education value. This is particularly true if there is a significant degree of interactive engagement. Even the use of a simple lecture pause should not be underrated as a mechanism for allowing students to take a break from difficult material. Using examples from the author's own teaching practice, a number of strategies are suggested for improving lecture breaks. In particular, the development of demonstrations for advanced undergraduate audiences, interactive problem solving, red–green voting systems, and fascinating-fact segments are all highlighted.
More Information
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Citation
Smith, David K. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1621.
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Keywords
Applications of Chemistry; Chemical Education Research; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Graduate Education / Research; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Humor / Puzzles / Games; Learning Theories; Problem Solving / Decision Making; Second-Year Undergraduate; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
9/19/2006
9/20/2006
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