[Opinion] Justification for Lectures

Lectures used to be a way to teach a large number of students, but with the technology available for education, there is no longer justification for lectures. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is controversial whether lectures are still a good way to educate a large number of pupils. Although this traditional method of teaching remains a relevant tool for some schools, I would argue that the necessity of lectures has been curbed by technology. 

On the one hand, there are several reasons why lectures are still being used today. Firstly, students and teachers have gotten used to this approach for centuries meaning it would take time for them to familiarize with modern technology in the educational setting. For example, it would take a lot of time and effort for many educators to digitize their lessons and material for online use. Secondly, hiring lecturers would be more economical and effective in the short term than making a complete switch to and investing in an online or digital platform. As a result, lectures would be a more practical and viable solution for developing countries. 

However, I would argue that lectures are being phased out with the dawn of technology. For one, many would be able to seek the information they need with search engines such as Google. Because of this, a traditional classroom is no longer the only way to acquire information necessary for work or professional development. Furthermore, students would be able to study anywhere they want as long as they are connected to the Internet. Many online courses offer the flexibility of letting students study at their own pace and access their coursework regardless of their location around the world. This has made Internet-based learning more appealing for students overseas as well as working people looking to go back to school.

In conclusion, while lectures can still be found in some classrooms around the world, I would side with the argument that technological advancement is making this method of teaching redundant.

Digitize (v) /ˈdɪdʒɪtaɪz/:

• Vietnamese definition: Kỹ thuật số hóa
• Example sentence: “Many libraries are working to digitize their collections for online access.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Nhiều thư viện đang nỗ lực kỹ thuật số hóa bộ sưu tập của họ để truy cập trực tuyến.”

Economical (adj) /ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪ.kəl/:

• Vietnamese definition: Tiết kiệm, hiệu quả về chi phí
• Example sentence: “Hybrid cars are more economical in terms of fuel consumption.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Xe hybrid hiệu quả hơn về mặt tiêu thụ nhiên liệu.”

In the short term:

• Vietnamese definition: Trong ngắn hạn
• Example sentence: “In the short term, the company plans to focus on cost-cutting measures.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Trong ngắn hạn, công ty dự định tập trung vào các biện pháp cắt giảm chi phí.”

Making a complete switch:

• Vietnamese definition: Chuyển đổi hoàn toàn
• Example sentence: “The company is considering making a complete switch to renewable energy sources.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Công ty đang xem xét việc chuyển đổi hoàn toàn sang nguồn năng lượng tái tạo.”

Viable solution:

• Vietnamese definition: Giải pháp khả thi
• Example sentence: “Investing in solar power is considered a viable solution for sustainable energy.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Đầu tư vào năng lượng mặt trời được xem là một giải pháp khả thi cho năng lượng bền vững.”

Phased out (phrasal verb):

• Vietnamese definition: Loại bỏ dần dần
• Example sentence: “Older models of smartphones are being phased out as new ones are introduced.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Các mô hình điện thoại thông minh cũ đang bị loại bỏ dần dần khi có mô hình mới ra mắt.”

Study at their own pace:

• Vietnamese definition: Học theo tốc độ của mình
• Example sentence: “Online courses allow students to study at their own pace.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Các khóa học trực tuyến cho phép học viên học theo tốc độ của họ.”

Internet-based learning:

• Vietnamese definition: Học trực tuyến dựa trên Internet
• Example sentence: “Internet-based learning provides flexible access to educational resources.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Học trực tuyến dựa trên Internet cung cấp quyền truy cập linh hoạt vào tài nguyên giáo dục.”

Make something redundant:

• Vietnamese definition: Làm cho một cái gì đó trở nên không cần thiết
• Example sentence: “Automation has made some manual tasks redundant in the manufacturing process.”
• Vietnamese translation: “Tự động hóa đã làm cho một số công việc thủ công trở nên không cần thiết trong quy trình sản xuất.”