Are expectations for learner activities inside and outside of the classroom changing?

There seems to be a kind of anti-lecture or anti-presentation meme arguing that we use face to face time (class time) differently. This argument has popped up in many places – my wife just sent me this example from ReadWriteWeb, but I have also read the proposed use for the Kahn Academy content explained in this way (watch the video and we will discuss in class). The Thayer method used at the US Military Academy works pretty much the same way.

Here is my analysis – this position seems to argue that there are two components necessary for organized learning – information exposure and information processing. Information exposure has often been accomplished via lecture, but the “new model” seems to suggest that this is a boring (maybe the motivation component need not be invoked) and unproductive use of class time. Information exposure could happen outside of class (read a book, watch a video, listen to a lecture with slides). If students came to class already having done the background work, class time could be spent in discussion, clarification of uncertainties, etc. In other words, class time could be used for collective “processing” of information.

Here is why this model challenges my existing mind set. My research interests mainly focus on what I call “study behavior”. Maybe studying is an out-dated concept, but it seems to me to be a traditional way to understand the information processing requirement I note above. There are some formal definitions of studying but one of the core arguments (a constructivist position really) is that learning is a personal experience – each of us creates a personal understanding of newly encountered ideas by applying cognitive and metacognitive processes to integrate new information with what we already know. External forces (written explanations, a teacher) can facilitate these processes, but we must complete the core tasks as individuals. This position does not say that one should not use class time to “study”, but perhaps that is a useful way to understand what is being proposed. I often explain a major difference between high school and college learning as the extent to which the teacher “studies” with the students. Students spend less time in class in college, but are expected to study more as individuals (or at least in ways that are self initiated).

I think this is question of efficiency. At the level of the individual student and recognizing that activities inside (see the RRW article) or outside of the classroom can be structured and facilitated with technology, what is the best way to spend class time? Since we have little data on the trade-offs here, I am just proposing an alternative position. Why is it that we assume grouping several hundred people together and asking that they do a similar thing to process information is efficient or effective?

Are proposals regarding the use of class time advocating for something that is new?

I am certain there have always been instructors at all levels who used class time for interaction. Check the “Paper Chase”  and Prof Kingsfield for an old model (you can stream from Netflix). A key issue in this movie and in most classrooms is also whether or not students come to class prepared to interact.