What mental models do you have about attending a college or university lecture? Are these mental models helpful? Could any of these mental models hold you back from achieving the full benefit of the lecture?

Students may raise a variety of issues based on their individual experiences and perceptions. Encourage students to focus on their mental images and their assumptions and expectations of what a class in progress looks like e.g. how people arrive, arrange themselves in the room, ask and answer questions, behavior of the instructor etc.

Our mental models help us make sense of our environment, however, they may prevent us from seeing opportunities. For example, if our mental model of a lecture is for students to passively observe and make notes only, then the opportunity to engage in discussion and more active forms of learning which could increase understanding and retention of the material may be lost.

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