Technical lectures can test the attentiveness of students, but some amount of lecturing is usually necessary to cover concepts in readings and to give examples of basic applications of technical material. Using visual aids during lectures, such as overheat slides, a projector showing a presentation or a whiteboard, can help illustrate concepts and provide students with insight into the types of problems they might see in homework or on tests. Lectures should allow for input and questions from students. Encourage student participation in lectures, such as calling on students to come to the board to solve problems, is a way to command attention.
Case studies are projects in which students study a particular real-world situation that pertains to the subject matter being studied. For instance, if the class is studying economic development, a case study might focus on the economic development of China over the past several decades. Case studies provide students with insight into how technical subjects apply to the real world. Case studies are common in math, science, economics and business courses.
Sometimes students are more effective explaining concepts to one another than to teachers. Allowing students to work assignments together in small groups can help facilitate discussion, problem solving and learning. While groups are working on assignments, walk from group to group and ask questions or provide insights to help students think critically about the subject matter.
Experiments or labs are essential for helping students understand scientific concepts and building laboratory skills. Like case studies, experiments reinforce the link between material discussed in lecture and readings with real-world situations and applications. Many college-level science courses include mandatory lab classes that are separate from the main lectures.
Certain technical concepts like basic mathematics may require repetition and drilling of problems. Showing the step-by-step process of solving problems during lecture and then assigning problem sets of similar exercises is a way to drill basic concepts. Repetitious problem sets may become tedious, but a tedious problem is better than a problem that is not understood.