How were lectures conducted in medieval universities?

In medieval universities, teaching was primarily conducted through two core methods: lectures and disputations.12

Lectures (Lectio)

The lecture, or lectio, served as the fundamental method of instruction. It consisted of the master reading a prescribed text aloud, followed by his own commentary and explanation of the material. These sessions were essential for students to engage with the "authorities"—the foundational works of philosophers and theologians such as Aristotle, Plato, and the Church Fathers.12

Disputations

Complementing the lecture was the disputation, a formal debate that played a crucial role in the Scholastic method. During these sessions, a specific question was proposed, and both students and the master would thoroughly argue the affirmative and negative sides of the issue. The master would conclude the exercise by resolving the problem, a process that helped refine the logical and analytical skills of the students.12

These practices were central to the development of Scholasticism, as they provided a common style and method for teachers and scholars across major centers of learning like Paris and Oxford.12