According to Professor Deborah Ball of the University of Michigan, if students are only spectating in a lecture, instructors actually reduce the learning opportunities for their students.

We can't do the learning for them.

Large class lectures may seem very efficient or even cost-effective for teachers and administrators. But how can we ensure that students are really getting the most out of this kind of lecture?

What is a large class? It could be anywhere from 40 to hundreds of students receiving an extended lecture from an instructor in a large classroom or lecture hall. These types of classes are common for first-year college courses or large high school general requirements. However, large class lectures represent a very passive style of learning, and not without some challenges.

• Pre-determined information presented in a one-way delivery lecture format leads to a lack of engagement
• Lots of grading. A slow grading process results in less effective feedback for students
• High numbers of students limit authentic inquiry
• Students who feel anonymous often disengage
• Misunderstanding is common and easily overlooked

Sometimes large classes are unavoidable, but in spite of these potential drawbacks, there are several strategies any instructor can employ to promote more active engagement and higher student achievement.

1. Utilize support resources and technology: While writing on a whiteboard in a large class isn’t that effective, try using a screen and projector. In addition, you can use online resources and tools to distribute classwork, take a quick poll, issue grades, motivate, and communicate with students, parents, and supporting faculty.
2. See the entire class: Eye contact is extremely effective at drawing students into the lecture and promotes better student engagement.  So move around the room and see what your students are doing, and what’s resonating most with them!
3. Course design and preparation are key: Prepare lectures for the ear and the eye. Include compelling “read-world” content, issues and challenges, utilizing interesting audio and visuals during lectures.
4.  Pace yourself strategically: While managing your lecture time efficiently is important, it’s imperative to recognize that well-timed short breaks may actually increase the students’ attention and focus.
5. Incorporate interactive methods: Yes, even in a large lecture hall or classroom, incorporating short interactive tasks, where students get to think, discuss class material with their peers, and share their ideas with the class, actually deepens the classroom discourse.

Take a risk, step out of your comfort zone! With a little advance planning, extra effort and patience, large class lectures don’t have to be stale and boring for students or teachers!  Students will thank you and perform better, making your job in the long run actually easier and more enjoyable!

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Sustain their engagement!

All that hard work and preparation you put into every class ensures their intellectual and social-emotional development.

Promote further student engagement and development by using your Aimee page to:

• Post challenges for break time, for example using think-pair-share
• Utilize bios for class ice-breakers or as a source for data collection
• Create events that encourage student engagement after class
• Solicit feedback about class events, projects, and discussions
• Direct message individuals or groups with feedback or reminders

Got a few minutes to spare? Here’s a short video that includes additional methods on how you can engage students in large classrooms.