What is a characteristic of an informal lecture?

An informal lecture is characterized by its emphasis on student participation, which distinguishes it from more traditional lectures that often rely on a one-way flow of information from instructor to student. In an informal lecture setting, the instructor encourages ongoing dialogue, questions, and inputs from students, making the learning experience more interactive and engaging. This approach not only helps to keep students engaged but also facilitates deeper understanding and retention of the material being discussed, as students can connect the information to their own experiences and knowledge.

In contrast, approaches that use minimal student interaction or solely focus on information delivery do not align with the key principles of an informal lecture. Additionally, while there may not be formal mechanisms for assessing learning in an informal lecture, this is not a defining feature of such a setting, as the goal is often more about fostering communication and participation rather than formal evaluation. Thus, promoting continuous student participation encapsulates the essence of what makes an informal lecture effective and distinct.