Perception of students and teachers of a good lecture: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Lecture is still a common method for mass instruction amidst the multiple new ways, but there is a paucity of data regarding what constitutes a good lecture. Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to obtain the viewpoints of both the students and the teachers about lectures and find ways of improvement. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 50 2nd year MBBS students and 50 teachers. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions which covered various aspects of a lecture. Results: Almost three-fourth of students and teachers thought that lecture program be displayed 1 month prior. Most participants wanted the lectures to be conducted between 8 am and 12 pm, and a number of lectures should be restricted to 3 per day. About 86% of students and 96% of teachers agreed that there should be emphasis on basics of the subject. 90% of students and 72% of teachers said that MCQs be included in the lecture. According to the majority, PowerPoint should be used for lecture, duration of which should be 45 min and overextension should be avoided. The level of understanding can be judged by directly asking questions to students, as suggested by 62% of students and 78% of teachers. The majority felt that lecture should start with a revision of previous topic and end with a summary. Conclusion: Expectations of students about lecture should be taken into account while preparing to make it more effective teaching tool.