Is It Time to Throw the Lectern Away? A New Look at an Old Teaching Tool

This article addresses the diminishing role of lecture in today’s classroom. The first two sections announce lecture’s dethroning as king of education. Lackluster Lecture addresses a chief contributor to this shift in method: the boring lecture. Language of Lecture points to the time-tested tools of oratory. Legendary Lecture reminds the reader of the great speeches of history, and Lay Lecture asks for educators the freedom to lecture that is afforded to clergy. Leadership Lecture and points to the proven impact of public speaking, Living Lecture is a reminder of how words can come alive, and Limited Lecture admits lecture should not be the only tool in an educator’s toolbox.