Recent public debate about educational quality and standards raises questions about which teaching styles are most effective in supporting student learning. Of all forms of teaching, the lecture is the most traditional. It also has the potential to be the most tedious experience for students.

This talk makes the argument that it is still possible for the lecture to be an important part of a high-quality learning experience. With creativity and flexibility on the part of the lecturer, the lecture can be stimulating and rewarding. But for this to happen we have to adjust to the different ways that students, especially young students, find and absorb knowledge compared to those from the past. So what exactly is a quality lecture?