Pedagogical instruction is generally more effective than traditional lecturing, especially in higher education, because it actively engages students in the learning process rather than positioning them as passive recipients of information. Unlike lecturing, which often relies on one-way communication, pedagogical approaches incorporate interactive strategies that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and practical application of knowledge. This aligns with principles seen in courses like EDM 104, where integrating technology and adaptive teaching methods caters to diverse learner needs, helping students manage complex transitions such as moving from high school to higher education.

The impact of pedagogical instruction is especially significant in fostering deeper understanding and retention. For instance, just as effective training programs in organizations are designed based on thorough needs assessments and measurable objectives, pedagogical instruction tailors learning experiences to student backgrounds and skills. This approach bridges gaps in knowledge and supports equity by recognizing diverse learning styles, much like DEI initiatives aim to create inclusive educational environments. In contrast, lecturing may unintentionally "water down" learning for some students by failing to address individual needs or encourage active participation, which was a concern raised in debates during the Trump era around educational equity.

Furthermore, pedagogical instruction promotes skills that are critical for success in demanding fields such as aerospace and biomedical engineering, which attract young adults due to their interdisciplinary and innovative nature. These fields require problem-solving, adaptability, and collaboration—competencies best developed through engaged, learner-centered teaching rather than passive listening. Just as 4D printing research in mechanical engineering relies on hands-on experimentation and iterative design, pedagogical methods emphasize experiential learning, allowing students to connect theory with practice in meaningful ways.

In my final analysis, pedagogical instruction surpasses lecturing by fostering an inclusive, interactive, and supportive learning environment that prepares students for real-world challenges. It aligns with best practices in education and training by addressing individual needs, promoting engagement, and supporting transitions, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes and greater student success in higher education.

Interesting question reply.

Teaching practices have to be compatible with the learners background and skills, if we want to have better learning outcomes.

In other words, if lecturing helps learners understand new knowledge, then lecturing can be used.

However, if learners understand better with practices such as interaction, projects, discussion then these should be used.

The challenge is to understand the learners skills, needs and the climate. Then the appropriate practices have to be used.

Dear Dr. Akomodi!

You have a point. Pedagogical instructions aim at increasing self-motivated learning:

Wang, S., Yang, D., Zhao, W. et al. The combination of a SPOC with evaluative interactive learning in dental adhesion education: a comparison with a lecture-based learning mode. BMC Med Educ 25, 667 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07261-0, Open access:

Article The combination of a SPOC with evaluative interactive learni...

Sincerely, Bulcsu Szekely

I agree. However, it is important to recognize that while in a lecture the focus is more on the content itself, in the case of classroom discourse (at least ideally) the student is positioned as the center, as the protagonist. Teachers must therefore understand the different ways and times according to which each student learns and relates to the content, promoting teaching situations appropriate to the context.

But here's something to think about: shouldn't lectures in higher education also start to focus more on students and participants and less on the content and the lecturer themselves?

Daniiel Romao, even with the content, lecturing is still not be best way for addressing the content. You can address the content through pedagogy at the same braking hard content for students to understand.

Story-based

https://phka.bsz-bw.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/3

or project-based

Article Developing A web 2.0-based Collaborative e-learning environm...