HOW TO TEACH LARGE CLASS EFFECTIVELY

HOW TO TEACH LARGE CLASS EFFECTIVELY

By MEY Sopheakdei

Large class size may be a cost-effective solution to budget crises, but can also present opportunities for instructors to improve their teaching skills. Large classes which, by their very nature, include a variety of students and learning styles, encourage instructors to incorporate diverse teaching methods in their classrooms. Large classes also benefit students by giving them the opportunity to learn from the interesting ideas and life experiences of a large and diverse body of classmates. This motivates learners and enlivens lessons by expanding student opportunities to discuss with and learn from each other.

It is important to note, however, that the aforementioned opportunities and benefits can only be realized if an instructor is able to adequately manage and effectively teach large classes. In instances where an instructor finds it difficult to effectively teach large classes, some students may find the large class size intimidating. These students are likely to remain passive and unresponsive to questioning, only becoming familiar with those seated next to them. In other words, connection, interaction and communication with and among students can be hindered both by the large number of students and the physical distance from the instructor in classes where the instructor is not equipped to manage a large class.

Since individual instructors vary and different institutions of learning maintain different requirements and expectations, there is no unique solution to the challenges of teaching large classes. Below, however, are some examples of how to effectively engage students in a large class.

Engaging students in large classes requires advanced planning and careful organization. Your plan should be geared towards monitoring whether or not your students comprehend what is taught. In developing a lesson plan, you should identify the topic to be taught, learning objectives, teaching methods, classroom arrangement, main activities, resources, and assessment methods. You should organize the day’s topics in a meaningful sequence in order to enhance smooth flow of thought. A visual display of the topic outline and learning objectives could be prepared to help students visualize the flow of the class and the relationships between the topics covered.

A cordial relationship between instructor and students inspires students to willingly participate in class. Therefore, instructors should attempt to know their students’ names and abilities. The instructor may start by introducing him/herself and, if possible, have the students introduce themselves to everyone. It is advisable for the instructor to move around the class while teaching; as this can reduce the physical and social distance between the instructor and students. The instructor should take full advantage of classroom space by ensuring that unnecessary furniture is removed, and identify spaces outside of the classroom that can be used as activity centers.

The instructor should remember that the attention spans of students are limited and split up class time accordingly. For example, a class period could be divided into twenty minutes of lecture time, followed by an activity and then additional lecture if needed. The instructor may also want to incorporate small-group learning in a large class to enhance critical thinking, promote cognitive elaboration, provide feedback and help students to appreciate diversity. It is also important that the instructor explain to students exactly how and why specific lessons are being taught in a particular style.

In addition, the instructor should give assignments that really assess whether or not students are learning what they are taught. The assignments should be centered on the process by which they solved a problem, along with how they can apply what they are learning to everyday life. Clear and thorough instructions should be given for every assignment. Finally, instructors should develop a system to keep track of student performance in order to easily identify students who may need special attention. Instructors should actively take attendance in order to avoid a drop in class attendance.