More NIU students prefer taking discussion classes than lecture classes, according to a Northern Star survey of 50 students.

The random, unscientific survey showed that 42 preferred discussion classes while seven preferred lectures. One of the students said both classes have equal benefits.

Colleen Gaskin, a junior corporate communication major, said she likes discussion classes because they are a good way to see other student’s perspectives. Gaskin said lecture classes can be confusing because the information is delivered but not talked about.

Joseph Stephen, an associate professor for the department of mathematical sciences, said this is not uncommon for students. He said students can also be “put off” by the size of lecture classes.

Some students find it reassuring to be anonymous but others find it alienating, Stephen said.

Three of the seven who preferred lecture classes said it is because lectures do not require as much participation.

Steve Valentini, a freshman undecided major, said he prefers lecture classes because he doesn’t participate much in class and lecture notes are easier to study from.

One of the lecture classes Stephen has taught in his 17 years at NIU is generally held in Cole Hall and has 240 students.

Stephen said that in this class he tries to interact with students by addressing any questions and concerns that come up during the lectures. He said the benefits and drawbacks of lectures are discipline-based.

“I think teaching in a lecture setting requires careful attention to your audience to anticipate and respond to needs and misunderstandings as they occur and attention to when clarification is called for,” Stephen said.

In discussion courses, students participate a great deal and “guide the course at certain times,” Stephen said.

One teacher sees a drawback to discussion classes.

If students are not prepared to discuss before coming to class, discussion classes can become time-consuming, said Jie Song, an associate professor of geography.

Kayte Sparkman, a TA teaching COMS100, uses the discussion method for teaching her class of 25 students.

Students are better able to form their own ideas and learn from each other with discussion, Sparkman said.

“Lecture classes present the ideas to students without giving them a chance to reflect on them,” Sparkman said.