What can I do to engage students in a Large Class--since my small class strategies won't work?
Let's invert this question. What can you do in a large class that you couldn't do in a small class? Certain activities actually work best with a large number of participants... Click for more
Let's invert this question. What can you do in a large class that you couldn't do in a small class? Certain activities actually work best with a large number of participants (think political conventions, tribal gatherings, Oprah's show, and circuses). The metaphor of a political convention or tribal gathering can be useful when thinking about teaching large classes. In both of these formats, individuals participate in substantive discussion and decision-making both in small caucus meetings and in public plenary fora. A professor cum political leader can plan the classroom activities to build upon the strengths of these structures. For one, the classroom can become a place where many voices, ideas and perspectives are considered, and where students participate in activities and decision-making at multiple levels: individual, small group, and whole convention. It can also be a place where students assume some responsibility for management of the class, in the role of "tribal leaders" who help monitor and process administrative details such as attendance, opinion-gaterhing, and submission of assignments. This may sound more complicated than it is. If you are interested in this model for teaching your large class, come by ITLAL and we will work with you to consider the possibilities. Click for less
