I find it interesting that the system of education by lecture has survived this far into the modern world. For most of human history books have been expensive and hard to obtain; but that's no longer so. Adhering to the lecture system, where the student is obliged to attend classes that may or may not be available when he needs them seems, to my mind, to be an outmoded and wasteful way of doing things.
Educators (which includes parents) have a number of tools at their disposal, including lectures, book-reading, apprentiseships, and so on. Just because something is old doesn't necesarily mean it's become irrelevant.
There are many schools that currently have been trying alternative approaches to education, and failing. It really depends on the student's learning style, the material being covered, the developmental age of the student, the environment, and so on....
I'm not sure you are right, my American History prof was a real treat to listen to. He made old George and the rest come to life and brought them into the 20 century.
I sure would have hated to miss his lectures.
Two things that might make it useful:
I think humans have a tendency to be lazy. Lecture helps focus one's mind for a period of time on the subject. As a student, without the lectures, I might not have self-educated as efficiently.
"Iron sharpens Iron". It is helpful to pose questions to a lecturer and have him or her answer. Then others in the class can also question each other. It is good for the mind to be challenged and apply one's mind in the cause of defending arugments.
I like Dorothy Sayers' essay on "Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning". She talks about the importance of not learning merely "subjects" but that learning is about the ability to take any subject and be able to argue persuasively and to express oneself in language.
As far as I can tell, we have yet to come up with a better system for real communication than face-to-face dialogue. While a lecturer can't engage in one-on-one dialogues, they offer something that no book, movie or internet site ever will be able to.
Finding it hard to get up for class in the morning??? are we???
With something over 300 semester hours of college credits to my credit (or shame), I believe I must agree with you, at least somewhat. There ARE lecturers it's worth listening to, even today, though. Of course, we have recordings of many of those folks, now, too. ;) Google the Khan Academy, for a great example of lecture-on-demand. Especially if you have HS teenagers.
Oh, and I just LOVE your tagline!
Old Student