ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION Th e didactic lecture is broadly viewed across a range of subjects, including health professions education, as a direct teaching method for the transmission of knowledge in a monotone manner.1 However, in practice, most didactic lecturing can involve various techniques: the use of multimedia, student questioning and limited note taking. Th e didactic lecture is a frequently used strategy for teaching,2 one that still has strengths and value in attaining some educational goals.3 However, the relevance of the didactic lecture as an instructional strategy that enhances learning is being challenged. Th ere is an increasing body of evidence within scientifi c disciplines that supports and validates active learning. Th ese data are reviewed here, and their applicability to health professions education is discussed. Th e aim of this chapter is to provide evidence for the purposes and attributes of the didactic lecture, and to provide evidence-based recommendations on how to deliver an eff ective didactic lecture. Where evidence for trials with experimental or quasi-experimental designs is lacking, interpretations and recommendations are based on recognised expert opinions from cognitive theory, educational psychology and educational models. Some of the evidence is expert opinions based on theories. Evidence that is based on experience outside of the health professions is extrapolated to the health professional studies. However, opinions that are not based on published work are excluded from the evidence. Th e quality of the evidence is based on the impact on students’ approaches to learning, performance and evaluation of teaching.