Most faculty are thoughtful, innovative, open to new ideas--except when it comes to changing their teaching methods. Many merely mimic their teachers for years on end. Some even use old college notes to teach their classes throughout their careers. There are exceptions but they are just that--exceptions. Single one-way oral communication still…

Criticism of the lecture method remains a staple of discussion and writing in academia--and most of the time it's deserved! Those interested in improving this aspect of their teaching might wish to consider some or all of the following suggestions for enhancing lectures. These include: (1) Lectures must start with a "grabber"; (2)…

Humor has not always been looked on with favor in academia. For centuries, the "ideal" professor was a paragon of serious academic pursuit with no time for frivolous commentary. There was nothing funny about the rigors of learning. However, a growing body of literature is emerging that documents the potential positive effects of the systematic and…