I was aware that the lecture method of teaching was probably the most traditional (and boring), and I knew that the attention span of most students was relatively short in a lecture session- but I was surprised at the 10 minute statistic! I, too, have incorporated many of these ideas into my 4.5 hour classes, but now believe and understand why it it necessary and critical to the learning process. I have used small group discussions very sucessfully- and I have tried to create groups that will challenge the brightest students and stimulate the shy students. I will then try to mix up the groups to make sure those that don't always step up to "pull their own weight" will have to, if they want to complete the group activity succesfully. It becomes quite interesting to see the individual accomplishments of different students when they are merged into different types of groups.
