Teaching Large Classes

Event Date & Time

Event Description

Teaching large classes can be intimidating, but it is often a necessity. As the size of a class increases, it gets more challenging to keep the students engaged in the class. While boring monotone lectures exist, lecturing can be an effective teaching strategy. Research shows that traditional lectures used alone were ineffective, but that lectures mixed with active learning improved student learning.

In this session, we will discuss the role that lectures play in teaching large classes, explore a number of strategies (ranging from simple-yet-awesome tips, to more specific techniques) that could help you teach more efficiently within your teaching context, and strategize how to navigate common challenges associated with teaching large classes .

By the end of this session, you will be able to:
– Discuss when lecture as a teaching strategy is appropriate and effective
– Identify effective lecturing strategies and/or active learning techniques suitable for your own discipline and teaching context
– Develop at least three (3) strategies to address challenges associated with teaching large classrooms
– Discuss considerations and logistics of implementing active learning in large classes

Facilitators:

• James Charbonneau, PhD – Instructor, Department of Physics and Astronomy; CTLT Faculty Associate
• Deb Chen, PhD – Educational Developer: Teaching and Learning Professional Development, CTLT