This TIP provides resources that help illustrate the dynamics and implications of teaching large classes.
Dealing with Large Classes
Teaching a large class provides some unique challenges. You must consider how you should prepare the lecture, how you should present the lecture and finally, how you reflect on the lecture.
Engaging large classes of students can be perceived as being difficult. However, the basic level of engagement with students is the same across all class sizes. The focus is on engaged teaching and active learning.
There are three areas to consider. Preparing the lecture, presenting the lecture and reflecting on the lecture.
Work on the relationship between teacher and students:
- Get to know your students by name
- Show them you are human
- Set a task and wander around the class.
- Help students feel 'at home'
- Agree the ground rules
- Try to understand how your students think
- Encourage self-reflection
- Have a change of activities/pace
- Raise reflective questions
NOTE: Content is adapted from Dealing with Large Classes
http://www.victoria.ac.nz/fca/teaching/dealing-large-classes.aspx