Teaching Large Classes: Problems and Suggested Techniques

Introduction

Teachers often complain, not without reason, about teaching large classes. These unlucky teachers not only suffer from the pedagogical shortcomings of large classes but also from the stress these classes produce. This post will try to answer the following questions:

1. What are large classes?
2. What makes large classes difficult to teach?
3. What techniques make it possible for students to learn in these classes?

Large Classes

It is difficult to set a definition of what a large class is. In some countries, a class with 30 students is not considered problematic. In other countries, however, such a class would be challenging for teachers. Some teachers have to face even more than 40 students (in some Moroccan schools, a class may include 50 students).

On the other hand, results of some research (see these links: Class size: What Research Says and What it Means for State Policy, How important is class size?) showed that benefits in achievement generally occur when class size is reduced to less than 20 students. Above this figure, problems of acquisition and classroom management arise.

Problems With Large Classes

What are the challenges of teaching large classes?

While it is hard to draw definitive conclusions about student achievement based on class size alone, since other variables such as the quality of teachers, students’ degree of motivation, and the role of the parents may come into play, large classes yield the following difficulties:

• Increased Teacher Effort: One of the main difficulties that a teacher may experience while teaching a large class is the tremendous effort that he or she will have to make. With an outnumbered class, there is always something to be done.
• Limited Knowledge of Student Needs: With a large class, it is difficult to get a satisfactory knowledge of students’ needs. Intimacy with students and remembering names might be a problem.
• High Noise Levels: As a consequence of the large number of students, the noise level is inevitably high, which adds to the stress teachers may experience.
• Challenges in Lesson Planning and Organization: Organizing, planning, and presenting lessons may constitute another challenge for teachers in such classes, as students’ abilities might differ considerably.
• Difficulty Engaging Students: There is another difficulty related to the learning process. Engaging learners actively in the learning process may not be easy in a crowded class.
• Limited Access to Resources: It is hard to imagine how a large class would benefit from school resources such as computers, books, and references.
• Measuring Effectiveness: With a crowded classroom, teachers might find it difficult to measure effectiveness.
• Students Hiding in the Crowd: A large class gives reluctant students a place to hide.

Tips to Teach Large Classes

It is undoubtedly very difficult for a teacher to deal with large classes. Anything done to remedy the problem would be fruitless unless students are really motivated to learn. Nevertheless, the following tips may be useful to alleviate the intensity of the situation:

1. Encourage Group Work: First, it would be a great idea to train students to work in small groups of five to seven students. When working in groups, it would be beneficial for students to sit around in a circle so that everyone could have a chance to participate.
2. Ensure Active Participation: Groups should include fewer members to avoid any of the students coasting. It is important to find active roles for students to avoid them being lazy.
3. Utilize Pair Work: Pair work may also be a good alternative to practice conversations, exercises, and other language activities.
4. Pair Stronger Students with Weaker Students: Pairing weaker students with stronger ones might be an option unless you fear the weaker students feel intimidated.
5. Rearrange Classroom Desks: Changing the classroom desk arrangement to accommodate the large number of students is a good idea. Finding the right arrangement is up to the teacher’s creativity and classroom size. Desk placements should make cooperative work easier.
6. Prioritize Students with Learning Difficulties: To optimize your work with students with learning difficulties, give them seats in front of you, closer to you, so that you can spot difficulties easily while teaching.
7. Set Classroom Management Rules: To reduce stress and noise levels, set simple rules for class management:
   • Establish simple rules of acceptable behavior for everyone to observe when working in groups, in pairs, or individually.
   • Train your students to handle classroom chores:
     a. Getting into and out of the classroom at the start and end of the lesson or during recess time.
     b. Handing out books, papers, and other materials.
     c. Putting away school materials at the end of the lesson.
8. Delegate Responsibilities: Teachers in large classes may also want to delegate some of the work to more able students. These students can play the role of teachers’ assistants.
9. Group Students by Ability: Another measure that might be effective for some teachers is to split the class into weak students and more able students. This would make it possible for the teacher to concentrate on the weaker students. However, this should be done with a lot of caution to avoid affecting the weaker students’ self-esteem.
10. Incorporate Technology: Why not use technology? Technology ensures that everyone has time to connect with the teacher. For instance, teachers may plan to do the following:
    • A large class will benefit from a blog or a wiki where students and the teacher could meet at home.
    • Using students’ emails would make it easier for teachers to connect with students outside of class.

So far we have discussed large class problems but are there any advantages in teaching these classes?

Are There Any Advantages to Teaching Large Classes?

While teaching large classes presents numerous challenges, there are also some potential advantages that can be leveraged to enhance the learning experience. These benefits include:

1. Diverse Perspectives: A large class brings together a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. This diversity can enrich discussions, broaden students’ understanding of different subjects, and foster a more inclusive learning environment.
2. Peer Learning: With more students, there are greater opportunities for peer learning. Students can learn from each other through group activities, discussions, and collaborative projects. Peer teaching can also be an effective way for students to reinforce their knowledge by explaining concepts to classmates.
3. Increased Interaction: Larger classes can create a dynamic and lively atmosphere. The increased number of participants can lead to more questions, ideas, and discussions. This can make the classroom experience more engaging and stimulating for both students and teachers.
4. Development of Social Skills: Managing and participating in a large class requires students to develop and refine their social and communication skills. They learn to navigate group dynamics, collaborate with different personalities, and articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently.
5. Resourcefulness and Innovation: Teaching large classes often forces teachers to be more resourceful and innovative. They must find creative solutions to manage the class effectively, engage students, and ensure learning objectives are met. This can lead to the development of new teaching strategies and methods that can be beneficial in other teaching contexts as well.
6. Preparation for Real-world Scenarios: In many real-world scenarios, individuals must work in large teams or organizations. Learning to function effectively in a large class can help students develop skills that are valuable in their future careers, such as teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.
7. Economies of Scale: From an administrative perspective, large classes can be more cost-effective. They allow schools to maximize the use of resources such as classrooms, materials, and teaching staff. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where resources are limited.
8. Exposure to a Larger Network: A larger class means a bigger network of peers. This can be advantageous for students as they build connections and relationships that might support them academically and professionally in the future.

FAQs

Conclusion

It is true that teaching a large class is challenging as it is pedagogically unacceptable and psychologically difficult. These classes often involve mixed abilities, language levels, motivation, needs, interests, and goals. Nevertheless, teaching and managing such classes is possible if steps such as those described above are taken.