Interactive Teaching

SUMMARY This paper argues for interaction in lectures, interaction which allows learners time to reflect and discuss. This proposition has a staff development dimension both for lecturers in engineering who do not have (or do not value) the skill of interactive lecturing and for those who do, and who wish to find out more. Examples of these techniques are provided in this paper, in the context of construction management. Our intention is to provide practical help for those seeking innovative methods of teaching. We also hope to advance current debates on whether or not interactive lectures are appropriate for engineering subjects in general and for management subjects in particular. The staff developer in this case has observed an apprehension among staff that interactive teaching is more time consuming: does it take longer to plan (than lectures)? Initially, it may do, as the lecturer develops a repertoire of techniques. In this paper, we try to reduce that time by giving an exemplar, saving others from 'reinventing the wheel'. However, since adapting teaching is a complex process, we show the process of developing a teaching method to suit educational objectives. Finally, we conclude with 'hints and tips', based on the literature, for interactive teaching.