Re-imagining the traditional lecture: an action research approach to teaching student teachers to ‘do’ philosophy

Abstract

Although we were required to lecture to large groups of over 170 students, the traditional lecture clashed with our commitment to teach in a way that was student-centred, relational and socially and politically transformative. In this context, and using an action research approach, we sought to turn our large-group lectures into a space that both met some of the historic aims of the lecture in passing on received knowledge, but also became a space for students to immediately engage in a process of discussion and dialogue around the concepts and ideas raised. Although the literature suggested this was not possible in groups of over a hundred, we found that our students identified that the re-imagined lecture significantly aided their learning in a number of key respects.

Keywords:

• lecturing
• critical thinking
• action research
• teacher education
• philosophy of education

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the support of Deirdre Hogan and the Ubuntu Network in the completion of this research. The Ubuntu Network is funded by Irish Aid.