In this article, I’m going to give the main 12 tips that you should follow to limit chaos and overcome the main challenges you may face in large classes.
Main Challenges In Large Classes
It’s difficult to control a large class that includes different abilities and speeds of learning.
It’s not easy to give each student the attention he needs. In addition, students may not have textbooks to write on, so they will have the chance to make noise.
The following 12 tips will help you to overcome the previous challenges and achieve a satisfactory level of control in your large class so that your teaching will be more effective.
Here Are The 12 Tips
- State a system for everything, e.g. speaking, turn-taking, respect of others, test-taking, answering questions … etc.
- Achieve an agreement with the students from the first beginning. Focus on praising frequently those who are committing to their promises.
- Be firm but warm. Use strict words but preserve the dignity of students and don’t humiliate them.
- Pursue the main source of disciplinary problems, not symptoms and think and use various alternatives to solve them.
- Get used to calling your students by their first and second names.
- Increase the number of interactive activities during each lesson.
- Use pair-work or small group-work techniques when doing the exercises considering the variation in ability levels.
- Use audio-visual aids to attract students’ attention and facilitate learning.
- Don’t bury yourself in the textbook or the preparation notes but always eye contact with your students.
- Don’t plant your feet firmly in one place for the whole lesson but always move around the class and show yourself to all the students in the classroom.
- Dress appropriately and use effective facial and hand gestures.
- Arrange the chairs, organize the board, free the class from external noises, and speak up to be heard.
Want More Tips Related To Large Classes?
Here’s A Practical Guide To Managing Large Classes
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