Becoming A Successful Health Lecturer

By Connie Sears


The learning environment is posing a unique challenge to the health lecturer and raising the bar on expectations. Increasing number of dental, medical and nursing students requires a rethinking of strategy. More specialization in career requires better and deeper understanding of content. There is a call for implementation of new learning methods that makes it easier to understand concepts.

The new trend in the world is a movement towards more interactive learning methods as provided in the new curriculum. There is advocacy for lesser numbers in class which makes it possible to sustain enthusiasm. A paradigm shift is urgently required especially with the introduction of PDAs, tablet computers and laptops. It calls for modification of old models used in learning and embracing new customized, interactive and self-paced options.

Policy makers in the health education sector are favoring reduced class hours and increased practical and interactive sessions. Lectures are very passive and might not transmit necessary skill needed in the field. Participatory sessions are considered productive and should systematically replace lectures. This does not mean that all lectures do not add value to the profession. The number of people in a lecture hall should not necessarily be a gauge for success.

There is something more to a lecture than the plain reading of notes. It has variously been defined as a dance where the lecturer and students participate. Both respond to the dance and are energized by the words therein. They draw inspiration from participating in the session. It should therefore be considered a life and career changing event.

Important questions one should ask include the transformational value of your presence as compared to reading a book or following an online module. Physical presence must have added value which is again heightened by real time delivery. The duty is not only to inform, but to engage the imagination of your learners and to inspire them. A concept must be easily delivered through a lecture than reading a book.

If learning was all about information, electronic sources and physical books would be ideal. The heart and mind of the lecturer should be enthusiastic enough about the concepts to inspire the learner. The effect must be reciprocated in the student such that he or she captures the same mind and heart. The future should spread in front of their eyes and be grounded on the concepts they are learning.

It therefore should be clear that the lectures are more than just examinations, good grades and a professional certificate. The session is the place of birth for new perspectives, questions and connections. This is a moment to awaken or point out new possibility in life and work.

To achieve this, one must create a story format for every topic. There must be a beginning, development and end. The beginning is a problem that seeks answers. This is where curiosity, suspense and expectations are created. The lecture then transforms into a quest for answers.

Success as a health lecturer must be anchored in enthusiasm and delight. It means eliciting curiosity and enthusiasm and fulfilling the same in your learners. You begin to feel the delight when learners ask questions that you had no foresight. The enthusiasm for adventure in that discipline must be infectious.




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