Giving a good lecture

Good teachers are role models as well as educators and there is no doubt that they can inspire their students to go along certain career paths. The definition of what makes a good teacher is still being debated. Most students describe a good teacher as accessible, enthusiastic, passionate, humorous, caring and nonjudgmental. Good teachers put learning into context and they actively engage their students in the learning process. Giving a good lecture is like a theatre performance in which the lecturer plays the leading role. The skills involved in giving a good lecture, just as with acting, must be learnt and the performance must be thoroughly rehearsed. Good lectures are well-planned, well-structured, well-delivered and properly timed. Good teachers welcome feedback and act on it to continue developing their skills.