A Profile of Teaching Techniques Used in the University Classroom

Abstract

Our purpose was to develop a profile of the frequency and duration with which different teaching techniques are used in the university classroom. Student observers recorded the time spent in different teaching activities in 58 separate classes across a variety of disciplines. Teaching activities were placed into one of eight categories. Instructors also provided estimates of time spent in each category. Results showed that lecture continues to be the primary method of instruction, that males lectured more than females, and that time spent lecturing was positively related to class size. A significant portion of class time involved no learning and the profile determined by student observations was generally similar to that determined by instructor estimates. This study provides both a methodology and a profile upon which to build further research.