Suggestion 143. Begin with an incident, example or anecdote

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Have and interesting style of presentation

• Capture the students' interest

Beginning class with an incident, example or anecdote to get the students' attention.

A faculty member in history who does this says that he often begins by reading aloud a short passage from a primary source or a story to illustrate what his major theme or point will be in the lecture. "For example, I might start out by stating that the Wizard of Oz is a parable for progressivism and read passages from it to illustrate my major thesis. I then get the students to help identify all the different characters and what they represent."

"I usually end with a quotation that pulls together what I have been trying to say," he says, "Also, whenever possible, I try to link the past with current events, to show how the topic is important for the present."

Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  Discipline:  None
Course Level:  None
 Course Size:  None
        Mode:  None

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

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