Engaging Lecture Practices: Empowering Diverse Student Groups in Higher Education

Sharing strategies for inclusive education and student success

9 June 2023 I The Queensland Institute

*A/Prof Lukas Parker’s recent lecture on food waste.*

As educators working with students who have English as an additional language, it's crucial to refine our lecture practices for inclusive and impactful learning experiences.

This month, we draw inspiration from RMIT University's Associate Professor Lukas Parker's recent guest lecture at Griffith University, titled, 'Can I still eat this? Helping consumers fight food waste.'

Dr. Parker's lecture not only shared insights from his research project on consumer perceptions of the role of packaging in reducing food waste but also demonstrated best practices in lecture delivery to engage diverse audiences.

In this post, Fiona Wiebusch, Co-Founder at The Queensland Institute, shares ten key observations from Dr. Parker's lecture that support lecture engagement in higher education.

*L-R: Fiona Wiebusch and A/Prof Lukas Parker.*

Observations and Tips

1. Engaging Visual Storytelling:

Dr. Parker's use of image-based slides captured our attention and enhanced comprehension. Incorporating visual elements into your lecture slides can facilitate communication, especially for students who have English as an additional language. Visuals help students grasp complex concepts and make connections between ideas.

2. Powerful Pauses for Thinking Time:

By incorporating strategic pauses throughout his lecture, Dr. Parker allowed space for reflection and deep understanding. This practice promotes active learning and encourages students to process and internalise the information presented. It is particularly beneficial for students from diverse language backgrounds who may need more time to process the lecture content.

3. Personal but Relevant Anecdotes:

Integrating personal anecdotes into the lecture made the content relatable and memorable. For instance, Dr. Parker shared photos of his own recycling bins from his home when introducing the topic of food waste, which sparked student responses. By sharing personal experiences or real-life examples, lecturers can bridge the gap between themselves and the students, fostering a sense of connection and creating a more engaging learning environment.

4. Problem-Solving with the Audience:

Interactive sessions that involve the audience encourage active engagement and collaboration. Dr. Parker's approach of incorporating problem-solving activities within his lecture sparked lively discussions and created a dynamic learning atmosphere. Problem-solving in pairs, often referred to as the 'think-pair-share' approach, is particularly helpful for international students. Students gain confidence expressing their thoughts and ensure that their contributions in larger group discussions are well-developed and articulated.

5. Sharing Key Insights, Not the Whole Study:

Sharing research through case studies is a helpful lecture practice. Dr. Parker's focused delivery of key insights rather than overwhelming the audience with extensive study details ensured optimal impact. When working with international students, it is crucial to present information concisely on slides, emphasizing key points and overarching themes. This approach helps students grasp the main ideas effectively.

6. Facilitating Further Exploration and Analysis:

By sharing QR codes to data resources, Dr. Parker empowered students to delve deeper into the subject matter. Providing additional resources and encouraging independent exploration allows students to supplement their learning and develop critical thinking skills. This practice is particularly helpful for students who may benefit from alternative learning materials.

7. Closing Audience Proximity Gap:

Dr. Parker fostered connection and accessibility by positioning himself physically close to the audience. This deliberate effort to reduce the distance between the lecturer and students promotes inclusivity and engagement. For online lectures, lecturers can allocate time for breakout room discussions to achieve a similar effect. For many international students, feeling connected to the lecturer boosts their confidence and participation in a lecture.

8. Planning Time for Questions:

Ending the lecture 10-15 minutes before the allocated time encourages active student participation and dialogue. By inviting questions and addressing concerns, lecturers create an inclusive space for deeper engagement. This practice applies to both in-person and online lectures, with digital discussion boards serving as effective platforms to continue conversations. It also allows lecturers to clarify concepts if necessary, aiding comprehension.

9. Bridging Academia and Real-World Applications:

Dr. Parker successfully connected the lecture content to real-world applications and industry. This approach helps students understand the practical implications of their learning and enhances their motivation. Linking academic concepts to real-life examples and industry practices also helps students to see the value of their education beyond the classroom.

10. Demonstrating Passion for the Subject Matter:

Passion is contagious, especially in presentations. Dr. Parker's genuine enthusiasm for reducing food waste resonated with the audience. When lecturers demonstrate their interest and deep understanding of the topic, they inspire and truly engage their students.

Enhancing Lecture Practices for Student Engagement

By incorporating a range of effective lecture practices, including engaging visual storytelling, strategic pauses, relatable anecdotes, problem-solving activities, and emphasising key insights, lecturers can significantly enhance student engagement and foster meaningful connections with their audience.

If you're looking to improve your lecture practices and better support students from diverse language backgrounds at your university, The Queensland Institute (QI) team is here to help.

Contact us to discuss your university's training needs and discover how we can collaborate to plan inclusive and impactful lectures for student success.

Resources:

To delve deeper into Dr. Parker's research on consumer perceptions of the role of packaging in reducing food waste, visit The Communication & Change Co-Lab (3C) project page HERE.