Lecture at the cross-roads

The use of lectures has been so common that it is considered synonymous with large-group teaching. Before we plan any session as medical educators we have to be aware of “How People Learn?” This will essentially require insights into different learning theories and understanding the practical application of the same. After we have some understanding and command over learning theories the next issue is to apply the concept of learning theories to facilitate knowledge or skill acquisition among medical students. Lectures have been linked with multiple merits and these are the reasons why they have stood the test of time and are still being used. However there is a flip side also for lectures and all the existing problems have to be addressed to eventually enhance the effectiveness of lectures in the delivery of medical education.