4th LEARNING UNIT: University lecture

The lecture, as a form of teaching at the higher education level, has been around for centuries and is still the most commonly used method of teaching today - but if not used properly, it is also one of the least effective forms. Unclear goals, poor organization, disconnection from existing knowledge, too much content, lack of interaction, inadequate use of educational technology and the use of inadequate teaching strategies can lead students to a state of heightened emotions (irritation, anxiety, frustration, anger) or a state of suppressed emotions (apathy, numbness). 

A good and interesting speech can attract students and 'pull' them into the topic. Aristotle already talked about the three pillars of rhetoric, which are ethos (e.g. voice, tone, style, self-confidence, reputation), logos (logic and meaningfulness of the content of what is said, which allows listeners to perceive the speaker's message as convincing, e.g. structure, logical reasoning, giving evidence) and pathos (the ability of the speaker to evoke emotions and feelings in the listeners and thereby make them more receptive to what he is communicating). For Aristotle, pathos is the most important of the three pillars, and evoking emotion in listeners can be most effectively achieved through the use of stories that the audience can relate to.

An interactive lecture that arouses curiosity and in which the lecturer uses attention or engagement triggers, according to the findings of neuroscience research, causes the release of happiness hormones in the brain (serotonin, dopamine, etc.). Connecting a topic or activity with pleasure increases the desire and ability to actively engage (engage) with the content, which promotes learning. 

Some examples of attention triggers are:

• a surprising, provocative statement or question (eg Money is NOT the source of all evil in the world or Don't wait until you're ready); 
• "shocking" data (e.g. statistical: Fear of public speaking lowers salary by 10%); 
• exciting event, picture, video, etc.;  
• real-world examples that inspire shock and awe; 
• interesting, challenging analogies and parables; 
• jokes, anecdotes, stories;