If you look at the design and advertising of a theatre play, you can identify elements that can contribute to the enhancement of a lecture - without making a lecture appear theatrical.
Students' interest can be aroused with an exciting title. There may be titles that are questioning or provocative or that at first glance have nothing in common with the topic of the lecture. A good title always adds a personal touch to a course and demonstrates the lecturer's interest in the subject matter.
Questions to the students that pick up on their personal expectations, establish a connection to their background or everyday life and thus provoke a personal involvement are a further dramaturgical element of the course design.
If the opportunity exists, it is also advisable to diversify the teaching staff. If two or more expert colleagues can be found or experts from academia, industry, public institutions and organisations can be recruited to take part, this offers the opportunity to incorporate different perspectives, but also to get to know the different personalities, their methods and styles.
However, the binding nature of the structure and design of the course is emphasised as important. Students who are given a "programme" expect it to be adhered to and must be informed of any changes in good time. The more complex the programme, the more it requires good direction.
