Twelve tips for taking effective Lectures

Lectures are ubiquitous and here to stay. The traditional lecture is not so effective in developing the vital skill of critical thinking in medical students. In addition, students are passive recipients of information in such a lecture. In this article, a number of tips have been put forth to make the traditional lecture effective (facilitate learning). These include preparing adequately for a lecture, explaining clearly and in an interesting manner, using educational media effectively, planning the opening of the lecture, giving analogies and using extra-verbal messages effectively. Obtaining feedback through micro-teaching (MT2), and reflecting on one's performance are also required to advance one's skill at lecturing.