This report is not based on any organised investigation along those lines, rather it is the result of observations in two specific disciplines taught at Murdoch University - Computer Science and Information Systems. Experience in these two disciplines shows that a high percentage of students choose to stay away from lectures, giving rise to concerns about the utility of this particular mode of teaching. This report is the result of an early attempt to address this concern by raising questions rather than providing answers. Study units in these Programmes have a mix of theoretical and practical assessment components. Student numbers in individual undergraduate study units range from around 25 to over 350.
Attendance tends to drop off after the beginning of the semester.
There are further noticeable fluctuations during the semester such as during weeks when assignments are due or before mid-semester tests. Lectures scheduled early in the morning or late in the afternoon also appear to have lower attendance. Lectures are the lecturer's principal means for introducing students to a subject, creating interest, clarifying issues and providing guidance on learning the subject matter, or at least that is how this mode of teaching has been viewed traditionally. For most students, the lecture theatre is also the opportunity to come into formal contact with the lecturer on a regular basis. Preparing and delivering lectures also take up most of the lecturer's time devoted to teaching.