Forelesning

Forelesning is a formal instructional presentation delivered by a lecturer to an audience, typically within higher education but also in schools and public settings. The purpose is to convey core knowledge on a subject through a structured, prepared talk, often accompanied by slides, notes, or the use of a blackboard or whiteboard.

The term originates from the Norwegian word forelese, meaning to read aloud in front of listeners; it is used in Norwegian and other Scandinavian languages to denote a lecture as a standard form of teaching. Forelesninger are usually delivered by professors or senior instructors and are designed to present established information, frameworks, and evidence to a broad audience.

A typical forelesning follows a planned outline: an introduction that states learning objectives, a development of key concepts with examples, and a closing summary, sometimes followed by a question-and-answer session. In universities, it often lasts from about 60 to 90 minutes and may be part of a course with accompanying smaller discussion groups or seminars.

Delivery can be largely monologic, but many lecturers invite questions or discussion and use multimedia to illustrate points. The format contrasts with more interactive forms such as seminars or workshops, which emphasize participant discussion and small-group work. Public forelesninger are organized outside the university to inform or persuade general audiences.