The chalk and talk method of teaching focuses on the blackboard and the teacher's voice and physical activities. Or do you prefer the new technology-based method to present your lectures and talks?
@Abedallah, Talk and chalk have some characteristics, that you do not want yo loose by passing through some slides. The most important is "eyes" and a mystical communication that exist whenever we have a nice lecture. On the other hand, it is time consuming to write complex formulas etc. Thus the concussion is:
1) Use slides, to give you the basic steps of your lecture, plus complex formulas.
2) Do not read just from slides, but try to reach that communication state, which is known to good lecturers, using examples, chalk and talk.
3) Give time for dialog and question from students.
4) Follow a two step approach: first give a conceptual and historical introduction and then give a technical development.
@Abedallah, I do use combination of chalk-talk,transparencies.... as an old technology and the new technologies like ppt presentations, smart boards....! I think that chalk-talk approach will never disappear!
The chalk and talk teaching method is an old approach of teaching which other teaching methodologies were derived from. I still support the chalk and talk method but a better modification will be presenting your lectures and still be able to digitalize your writing on the board.
Dear Prof Abedallah, it's only a GREAT teacher who can convey across a lesson, impart knowledge, impart values by chalk and talk :)
For small tutorial classes of 25 students, I use marker and whiteboard and teaching aids/ diagrams on brown paper. But for lecture classes of about 150 students, I need PPT.
@Abedallah, Talk and chalk have some characteristics, that you do not want yo loose by passing through some slides. The most important is "eyes" and a mystical communication that exist whenever we have a nice lecture. On the other hand, it is time consuming to write complex formulas etc. Thus the concussion is:
1) Use slides, to give you the basic steps of your lecture, plus complex formulas.
2) Do not read just from slides, but try to reach that communication state, which is known to good lecturers, using examples, chalk and talk.
3) Give time for dialog and question from students.
4) Follow a two step approach: first give a conceptual and historical introduction and then give a technical development.
The chalk and talk teaching method is the best where knowledge of a teacher is reflected. However, in order to save time and interesting ppt or other digitized form can be used.
Thanks to my work in an interdisciplinary environment, I have seen a variety of teaching and presentation techniques. Mathematicians like chalk and talk, computer scientists like fast changing slides, art historians project a small number of images for longer time, historians read their presentation from a piece of paper and so on. They all make sense in their discipline and everyone has a bias towards to what they have learned.
So it basically depends on what you want to present for whom in a given time frame. The common error is to stick too much to what you choose to be your favorite neglecting what may be appropriate.
An extensive survey of undergraduate Chemistry lectures from years 1-4 during 2004-2005 has been undertaken. They were categorised according to the method used for delivery, where category 1 used only electronic media to deliver courses, category 2 used a mixture of electronic and non-electronic and category 3 used non-electronic only. Analysis of student questionnaires, coupled with interviews with a selection of students and lecturers from each category, revealed that the impact of the method of lecture delivery is very slight indeed. Non-electronic methods were preferred, but the differences were not significant. The main problems identified with electronic presentations were: that too much material was covered, hard copies of the notes were not provided, the presentation contained particularly complicated diagrams or seemingly irrelevant images, and lectures were presented too quickly. In addition, it was observed that there was a tendency for lectures given using electronic media to have fewer (or no) breaks, natural or otherwise. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract., 2007, 8 (1), 73-79]http://www.rsc.org/images/Shallcross%20paper%20final_tcm18-76282.pdf
I used both ppt + chalk and talk.
Ppt helped me for table, graft, picture, videos etc...
Chalk and talk help me in instant logical explanations...
My best university teacher is and/or was Professor Norman W. Pammenter! He used chalk and talk and notes effectively!
Period!
I prefer to use blackboard (or white) in the class for clarification. PPT is to help me with difficult things that I cannot write on the board such as complicated illustrations, long equations, simulations, hyperlinks, etc. PPT also helps me to organize my lecture in proper sequence so that I will not miss any point.
With course that are very heavy in math I find that chalk and tlak mixed with some in calss activities work best. PPT may be more effective in discriptive courses but mut be used wisely. the term death by power point is gianing poplicity
Sometimes, the use of technology in teaching has some advantages. For example, using ppt and other digitized forms enables the lecturer a variety of supportive materials and gives flexibility in time management. On the other hand, do we lose some of the advantages of the traditional method of chalk and talk; among these advantages is the effective visual impact on the students and audience.
As a student, I prefer when teachers explain us everything with schemes and practical examples, because it's easier to associate and to understand. Our university doesn't use chalk and we're used to modern technologies but most teachers tend to combine both methods so teaching can be more interesting and to provide a more focused environment inside the classroom.
Almost everything is said and is said correctly. I would like to emphasize another aspect which is very important from my point of view. The lecturer or teacher should have in mind to whom he is giving the lecture. I mean the preparation of the listener to understand the topic. Moreover, with the same level of preparation different individuals need different form of presentation to be able to follow the talk. When most of the students only copy what is written on the blackboard and don’t follow to your talk I feel frustration.
After reading such wonderful discussion, no one denied the usefulness of chalk. Although it is very old but still remains a very effective method of transferring your thoughts on board while you are teaching. You can use the chalk/board for explaining concepts using innovative ways. During my last 25 years of teaching, I realized that the multimedia are very handy to make the flow of your lecture smooth, however, when it comes to make a point then there is nothing better than chalk.
Chalk and talk: old-fashioned, I never used anything else. While talking I also moved through the classroom to promote maximum nearness to students. Information enters better. Nowadays, I see my colleagues resorting to films for the whole class period. To me, that is a kind of subordinating the ends of teaching to the means (unless the class is about history of films).
In my opinion talk will be always and will be never replaced by something, but chalk is replaced by digital technologies - power point presentation, animation, movie, etc.
Chalk and talk, has given respect to professors, and teaching community. I passed major time, with chalk and talking to students, as lecturer, assistant professor and professor. In explaining, with chalk gives special advantage to students with one to one communication, to understanding the subject and complicated equations,which they cannot get with modern methods without chalk. I remember, as student too, I was using slate/chalk, for writing and remembering, formula and equations at exam time.
Chalk and talk is a very necessary way to pass your thought to the students.
It will let you understand the most important concept under the overwhelming words and equations.
The video lecture of Prof. Gilbert Strang demonstrate this very well. He use chalk and talk to
show student the most important concept of linear algebra.
"Chalk and talk" has its merits. One, "chalk and talk" is available to both teachers and students, not just to the teacher; two, it is the method that "educated" us and those who later on developed the technologies that "mimic" them.
As Nasser pointed out, it is more facilitative for discussing basic mathematical solutions.
Although it is "less healthful" to the teacher, it is not as energy-consuming as new techs.
However, with the research application statistics I teach, I prefer to use a laptop, with my students carrying their own laptops, without any power point.
Dear Abedallah
This method is very important because approaching teacher and students become more personal and differentiated.
The method of teaching using a blackboard and chalk is very efficient and requires the teacher to have a good body language, extensive knowledge on the subject, freedom to change the form of presentation of content, according to the audience, good diction and ability for improvisation and does not depend on technological resources which often fail
In Brazil the use of blackboards and chalk (based on calico oxide) has been prohibited since the substitution of these objects is a tendency to avoid diseases in teachers and students
For small class room teaching, chalk and duster are very good However, for creating motivation and providing live examples, slides are required for class room teaching.
I love to teach with chalk and talk but I teach also using modern technology with lectures modul and talks, depend on a number of class participant.
Sometime, i use both approaches, using modern and chalk in the same class.
Dears @Costas Drossos, @Ljubomir Jacić, @Miranda Yeoh, @A. Adekunle, @R. Mittal, @Hubert Mara, @Lala Sukla, @Ratan Khuman, @Tobias Ntuli, @Nageswara Posinasetti , @Nasser Abdellatif, @Mohammed Al-Mola: Thank you for the detailed answers and the feedback; I appreciate it.
Dear @Tobias Ntuli, thank you for giving us an example of a priority from your experience.
Dear @Pedro Simão, thank you for supplying us with your experience and priority.
Dear @Kazaros Kazarian, thank you for raising the issue that the lecturer should have in mind to whom he is giving the lecture.
Dear @Ahmad Hussain , I like your statement: when it comes to make a point then there is nothing better than chalk.
Dear @Nelson Orringer , It is exactly the most important point in teaching: Chalk and talk: enables us to promote maximum nearness to students.
.Dear @Marianne Shahsuvaryan, Chalk and talk is partially replaced by modern technology.
Dear @Bhupendra Desai · Thank you for the explaining, with chalk gives special advantage to students with one to one communication.
Dear @Zhijun Zhang, Thank you for the an effective example of the video lecture of Gilbert strang using chalk and talk to show student the most important concept of linear algebra.
Dear @Eddie Seva, you raised an important issue the health of the teacher. "chalk and talk" is "less healthful" to the teacher, it is not as energy-consuming as new techs.
Dear @Nelson Elias, thank you for the feedback from Brazil. Unhealthy products in education should be prohibited.
Dear @Trilochan Sahoo, @Yudi Wahyudin, thank you for the ideas and the feedback.
@Esteven Tineo Mateo, for Math and Physics, a chalk becomes art.
Thanks for all of you who shared their opinion on the chalk and talk issue, and I think there are a lot of points to be raised.
There is a big difference between chalk and talk, and the modern methods in teaching. Powerpoint, videos...etc.. are much easier for students and more healthiful.
Mahfuz, I can only partially agree with that. PowerPoint, videos, and other forms of modern teaching aid are easier for the teacher, but not for the student. When I was going through college and graduate school, we listened to the instructor and tried to write down everything that he or she was saying and writing on the blackboard, because we knew that if we could not capture what was being said and written, it would be lost forever. Yes, it was intense, but we were learning things that I remember 20+ years after that.
Slide shows and videos make it less stressful for the students, but not easier for them. Lectures do not have to be stress-free ti be efficient. Tests and seminars do.
Chalk and talk also has another advantage: it allows the teacher to show students how to approach the problems in their field. When at work they start to think, 'what would my professor do?' and can only think of slide decks and projectors, are they going to be able to solve the problems?
C and C allows students to read and think because the exposure of the topic/drawing is at a slow rate. Powerpoint presentations are nice, but often too rapidly exposed. Students simply are not given the time to think. 'Thinking' and 'hearing' during a course is incompatible or not?
new technology based teaching is good method, but as a part of teaching to some extent. To be reliable totally on this method has not so much positive impact.
Chalk and talk usage although is a conventional method but is more effective for delivering knowledge and getting students attention. This method elaborates the things more precisely rather advance methods.
I was a university student in India during the Chalk & Talk era...of course Over head projectors were also in use, it was limited for the only reason that the OHP bulb price was hefty those days (in '80s) and often fused on excess usage / heat / power fluctuation....I eventually became a teacher during the late'80s for a brief period...The content creation (in early '90s) and painless effort of preparing the OHP sheets were facilitated with the photocopying and Computerized print outs...The LCD projectors were the real Change agent to teaching methodology... which made the teacher and taught to be on a FACE-to-FACE interaction for a longer duration compared to the Chalk-Talk time period....eliminating Chalk dust spread all over the hands of teachers and paining them while writing or drawing on the board..The situation were even worse that on continuous usage the chalk power gets deposited on the board and gets tough to be rubbed off...
It depends on the course: If it is a computer orientated course, then I would prefer to teach with a projector directly connected to my laptop or pc: Then I can show to students what exactly can do and lesson has more attraction. But, if it is a theoretical one, then the old tradition is still helpfull!
If someone/I'm teaching Physics then I like to use modern technologies to teach.
I don't use any "modern technology" in the classroom for the very reason that the rate of information delivery tends to overwhelm students. In my view, the best emphasis (especially in science, engineering, and mathematics) is on concepts and principles, so that using the chalkboard tends to limit the pace AND allow for questions and discussion (THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF LEARNING) as we go along. It also forces me to do more pre-class preparation, but I think that's also a good thing...
I use modern methods as they are better for documentation purposes. I only resort to chalk and talk to explain certain concepts and to derive some equations and results. I agree with Demetris that it depends on the course / what we are teaching.
Explanation-illustrative (traditional) method is highly productive in combination with ICT, problem, creative, heuristic methods. Nowadays we can say about integrative technology.In linguistics we take into consideration the highest communicative level- pragmatic-motivational- it's possible only on the speech examples, which were repeated a lot of times in different situations.
Using both methods, chalk as well as electronic medium are both essential for teaching. With electronic medium, we can well prepare in advance the highlights of the topics to be taught. Tables, figures and vedio clips can be easily n better displayed in a ppt. However we cannot deny the usage of chalk as well. I think almost everyone use the blend of different methods and sometimes neither use both such as in a practical demonstration.
Dear Abedallah, I use both ways while teaching. I also agree with Costas ideas.
From the late 1970s until the 1990s I was teaching using „chalk and talk“ (e.g. variational methods in mathematical physics, tensor analysis). Now, IT-technologies allow teaching not only using PowerPoint presentations with slides, but electronic chalk as well. See, for instance, my papers in RG about e-learning.
When teaching equations, I use chalk. When the topic can be brought to life with color, pictures, or movies, I add a projector.
“Chalk & Talk” is a formal method of teaching with a blackboard and the teacher’s voice as its focal point. This method is used in classrooms across the world. However, this formal and somewhat unimaginative teaching method has come under scrutiny, with many people suggesting that teachers should not rely solely on this technique if they want to engage and inspire their students. Another criticism is that this method of teaching tends to go with the pace of the fastest learner and can leave a lot of children behind, particularly if they have had no pre-school learning.
Through using no teaching aids the “chalk and talk” method fails to stimulate many students’ interests in learning. Education needs to be more practical, should allow children to express themselves and learn independently at their own pace. Montessori education is an alternative approach to the traditional “chalk and talk” which allows children to shape their own learning and develop sensory, numeric, language and practical skills. Montessori education is hands on and keeps children stimulated. With “chalk and talk” some students are not attentive in class and do not naturally have the motivation to learn. With no utilisation of teaching aids, charts, slides and pictures, teachers are unable to capture the imagination of their students. The failure to enthuse students has resulted in many young people leaving school without the knowledge and skills to help them aspire and do well in the future.
I am a PhD student and I want to be a teacher. So I have been observing the teaching methods of my teachers and response by my classmates and juniors for past few years. Here are few ponts regarding the question;
- Blackboad teaching ( chalk & Talk ) is the best method because it takes time and student gets the response step by step.
- However modern technologies like presentations, audio, video have become very integral part of teaching now a days. If one wants to avoid modern technologies he must have very good drwaing skills on the board. Because figures say a lot.
- Many of the times, necessary graphics like 3D reperesentations are very difficult to draw clearly on the board. Use of animations or PPTs helps a lot in that case and saves time also.
- Sometimes animation or multimedia teaching leaves a permanent impression. I will give an example here ...
I was in a course and teacher was explaining scattering theory of elastic waves. He did a complete mathematical analysis which coul only be done with chalk & Talk. It seemed to me that I fully understood the concept but something was missing and I could not feel the real physics behind that. Then he showed this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DovunOxlY1k (1960s) and everything was clear after that.
So the conclusion of my answer is ; as for as derivations and equations are concerned Chalk & Talk is the best but modern technologies are plus when you want your student to feel the topic by using graphics , 3D animations n all. Moreover its easy to distribute the notes.
Well the discussion has become interesting and hot.
Lets have a solution and shift to "smart board" which gives the liberty of writing on the board as well showing ppts or videos and above all u can save whatever u have written. Now we are shifting to smart boards in all class rooms. We are using www.blackboard.com
Surely IWBs are a very good option for teaching. In Italy there was a substantial financing of these devices for High School, but not for Universities. So we lack a comprehensive coverage of the classrooms!
Best
Thanks @Ahmad Hussain, it seems that www.blackboard.com is a good choice.
Thanks @Rocco Furferi for raising the question of financial issues in adopting proper tools for teaching.
Using blackboard & chalk is very useful during discussion with small group of students . At present , white board with color pens are quite popular . In a small group presentations , discussion of concepts can be done with clarity with a board . The participants can also participate in writing on the board , conveying their views . When I was young , our generation was taught in school & college using the blackboard only . The present power point presentation is useful in lectures in conference & classes , where large number of participants are present . In this era , board & pens are still relevant for small group discussion & debates .
Thanks @Prof. Kamal, yes in this case: Old is gold with modernization becomes more sparkling.
Prof Kamal old is gold ,marker and bard,projector and powerpoints,RAM/ROM-packs and joysticks ,,whatever,each has its own implications,the main thing is the global shift is also affecting learning.Even if old is the better,the learners are going with technology,so if we stick to what we used to know ,am afraid some of our class rooms will be empty.This generation do not want chalk flakes,no matter how powerful they are in teaching
Dear Abedallah, the most important problem consist in method preferred by the students. Is best to use the new technology and work for re-develop the theory and point the developments ideas and basis history, but, if you have any possibility, the classical methods are good too.
It is well said "Old is Gold" and chalk and talk are the oldest and most effective method of teaching but now a days introduction of new technologies helps teachers and students to learn and understand more in less time with the help of slides and videos.
Time changes, technology changes!
Regards,
Nitish
Preferably, chalk and talk is better. But, for physical realization of mathematical concepts in a better way, we need technology as well. So, I can say, combination of these two is the best.
Here is the fine paper "Refined ‘Chalk-and-Talk’ of Lecture Content:Teaching Signals and Systems at the Griffith School of Engineering " by RG member Stephen So!
Conference Paper Refined 'Chalk-and-Talk' of Lecture Content: Teaching Signal...
I use ppt, videos and photos. Besides the unidirectional teaching methods (e.g. lecture, demonstration), I implement interactional teaching techniques: brainstorming, workshop, role playing, storytelling, group discussion, case study, debate and simulation. I try to implement several teaching approaches, which include: project-based pedagogy, educational module, group work and self-learning. I use several teaching methods outside the lecture hall, for example: assignments, projects, term papers and field/technical visit trips. I have developed homework, web-based materials, problem solving methodologies and problem solving traits. I try to implement several teaching technologies, which include: MOOC, Moodle and E-learning.
The problem is the fund shortage, untrained teaching assistants, and several other obstacles.
Dear @Mohamed, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience.
Dear @Hailu, I think that you have, in this case, students who are welling to learn; this is a real gift.
Chalk and board provide people with the background. More sophisticated media are OK for advanced learners.
Dear @Andrea, This is a good point chalk and board enable the lecturer to give a dynamical lecture.
Dear @Gafurjan Ibragimov sent me his opinion in a message, and I would like to share it with you: "Chalk and talk method is a very effective one. Especially for mathematicians. Each other method should be combined with this method. In this method, reasoning is delivered continuously, role of the teacher is shown clearly. When we use computer slides we give information with big portion. Of course, we have to use computer slides for theorems, some formulas.."
Dear @Abedallah, just watch how the teacher uses "chalk and talk" approach to make information more accessible to students!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hd0mMAwHuk
My undergraduate lecturer, postgraduate co-supervisor and/or current collaborator and/or mentor Professor Norman W. Pammenter used 'chalk and talk' to the greatest effect of all my tertiary instructors!
Period!
Dear @Ljubomir, thank you for the video; it is really amazing how efficiently, the "chalk and talk" is properly applied.
Dear @Tobias, you are lucky to have such a great professor who are highly appreciated.
Chalk and talk method is a very effective one. Especially for mathematicians. Each other method should be combined with this method. In this method, reasoning is delivered continuously, role of the teacher is shown clearly. When we use computer slides we give information with big portion. Of course, we have to use computer slides for theorems, some formulas..
I have the feeling that when you are writing on the blackboard, you are writing on the students' mind as well; ideas stick.
@Abedallah M Rababah: "ideas stick.": This is even more true as students themselves are randomly summoned at the chalkboard. Nothing better than half-an-hour with the chalk in their hands to check the adhesion of ideas. No Powerpoint-supplied hideout... When it comes to crap prevention, chalk and talk are much better than slides.
Dears @Kamal and @Andrea, So you suggest that students interact and explain ideas for the class on the blackboard using the chalk; this creates an ideal lecture.
Dear @Kamal, when I use Data Show and other kinds of technology, I do not feel the human interaction with the students; they are far away from me.
My experience is as follow:
1.With chalk and talk, I always taught in a more flexible and comfortable way. However, it was not easy to display animations and 3d maps to give the concept of height and depth etc
2. With power point hi fi technology, it looks elegant while delivering lecture but with a fixed agenda in the form of already slides with you, though it is quite smart and handy method of teaching technical subjects.
Therefore, in my opinion, it largely depends on the subject you teach i.e. technology oriented or literary. Also, things change and we have to learn more to adopt those changes.
Dear @Asmat, The best way would be combination; technology is a must these days. In the last years, I see that many lecturers give their lectures on Data Show only. Feedback from the students tells that this is a boring lecture.
This illustrative-explanation method is a foundation of knowledge and skills, it offers an individual approach. But it avoids of heuristics at all. I prefer integrative technologies in teaching.
I agree with Irina that the illustrative-explanation method is a foundation of knowledge and skills, it offers an individual approach.
Dear @Irina, integrative technologies in teaching works also well; I faced a situation that the classroom does not have a board and has only technology-based materials; I did not like that lecture.
Dear @Asmat, you always remark remarkable writings.
Dear Abedallah,
I have made surveys in my classes. My students prefer chalk and talk (or whiteboard). Maybe because they are taking notes and that make them to be more focused. In some courses I combine the power point presentation with detailed explanations on the whiteboard.
Dear @Behrouz, thank you for the feedback; I have also the same experience with my students; you go farther by making a survey on your students. Students do like chalk and talk lectures because they can take notes and it helps them stay waking up.
Dear Behrouz,
My students love my grammar lessons with talk and chalk. Besides, I like to explain it with humor, songs, and rhymes and after that to test them -one by one individually.
Dear @Irina, I think your students are lucky to have a motivated teacher who That is a great way to teach.by explaining with humor, songs, and rhymes.
Dear @Irina, congratulations! As for myself, I wonder if songs and rhymes fit for a course on Thermodynamics. The nearest thing I did was to show conservation of energy with the help of a can of beer and a glass. I asked my students if they liked beer with a lot of bubbles. Most of them answered 'No'. Then, I asked how I could pour the beer into the glass without obtaining a lot of bubbles. They asked the best way is to place the can just on the edge of the glass before pouring. I followed their instructions, and finally I showed the glass full of beer (and without bubbles). Then, I asked them to draw on their copybooks the position of both the glass and the can. I repeated the whole sequence in the opposite option (a glass of beer full of bubbles) without moving the glass, just moving the can. This time, of course, the can was well above the glass. At the end, they realised the potential gravitational energy of the can had been higher in the second case than in the first case (as the distance of the can from the Earth centre had been larger). The difference in energy had sustained the formation of the bubbles. Involvement of energy (and not just of some other unknown quantity) can be proven experimentally, as the same quantity of bubbles can be obtained by shaking the glass. My students learned what conservation of energy is like (hopefully). Last but not least, I had two beers. (Teetotal teachers may utilize Coca-Cola).
Thank you dear @Andrea for sharing your experience about teaching conservation of energy. This time it is without chalk.
Thank you, dear Andrea, it's really genius!Difficult themes are becoming more understandable.Besides, it's unexpected and merry. For instance, my grammar songs repertoire is like this:Tenses- "I'm sailing, stormy waters. To be near you, to be free" "Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away". "Little darling, it's been a long, cold lonely winter"."We shall overcome someday". If-clauses -"If you go yo Rome, you'll see the Coliseum, if you go to London, may be, you'll see the Queen, if you stay with me, you won't see anything, but you'll be very happy, that's for sure' etc.etc. My students say, the motif with words appears in their brain during testing.Besides, I like the system of formula in grammar- for ex, A (Past) +D(Past)=I(Past Perfect) etc.Using tables, writing with color chalk, we do our explanation more expressive.
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