Job Discussion Forums

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Next month, I'm giving a couple of seminars about teaching to larger classes (larger numbers-wise). I have some preliminary, standard ideas (groupwork, etc.), but I'm afraid that won't be enough

(And to save time on the inevitable snide comments: Yes, I'm aware that it's a little ironic that the teacher they've asked to give these seminars is now on an internet forum groveling for ideas!)

Does anyone have any insight on how to handle larger classes? (By larger, I mean teaching 12-15 students as opposed to 4-7.)

Any insight appreciated!

[furiousmilksheikali]

Pair work.

I get my students to sit in rows that face each other and then rotate one of the two lines. The Students are easier to monitor this way and they often lose their inhibitions and speak more freely than they would otherwisw. I also make sure there is a gap between the rows to encourage the students to speak louder. They have to talk above the students sitting next to them if their partner is going to hear them.

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

12 to 15 is large? ... if you were talking about classes of 40+, I'd say teach those in the front rows and deputise some of the pan-hands at the back to keep the rest of the rabble under control ...

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Sheikh,

Yes, for me 12-15 is "larger" (though I recognize it's not "Large"). In my six years of teaching I've never had an EFL/ESL class larger than 9 students (for better or worse). I currently have university classes larger than that, but it's a very different atmosphere/ curriculum than my "first" job at my language school.

Thank you for your continued input, all!

[Sonnet]

Buzz groups, maybe? The term seems to be very loosely-defined, but I always took it to mean small groups (3-4 students), with some students switching groups every 4-5 minutes. I don't find it effective for task-based activities, but it keeps things fresh & interactive during discussions; good fluency practice, with whole-class language feedback afterwards.

Back-to-back pairwork can be effective, too; especially with pronunciation work or information gaps... makes it harder for students to cheat

[Sheikh Inal Ovar]

Lucky you, jpv ...

In my early days, the word 'pyramids' was all the rage ... combining students to move up and down through

individuals > groups of 2 > groups of 4 > etc ...

[coffeedrinker]

This is similar to the idea with two lines, but it's circles (onions?). Half the group stands in a small circle with their backs to the center, and the other half stands facing a parter, so they are also facing the center of the circle.

Like with the lines they change parters by one of the circles moving.

[Glenski]

Sorry, but I nearly lost my drink here. Twelve to fifteen is hardly large to me. It was the largest I ever taught in conversation school, yes, but I've had to do similar classes with high school and university students ranging from 20 at the minimum to 60 at the max. Got 2 of the latter just this semester.

Assuming the class you have to talk about is purely a conversation class, then a dozen to 15 people is a snap. Info gap, board games (with changing partners every 3 minutes), charades, presentations, group discussions, etc. I mean, what else is there but some form of group work? You just need to assemble a list of group work ideas, from pairs to groups of 4-7.

For real large size classes, read Penny Ur's books.

[gaijinalways]

You can also do chain listening, some cloze exercises, gist dictation with followed question making, and group story making. I wish I had all classes of 12-15 (try mostly 30-43 this term) !

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I guess I've been lucky. Twelve to fifteen students seems like a TON for an EFL/ESL classroom! It's all perspective I guess.
Most of my classes through the years have been 5-8 students. For me to double this seems a difficult proposition.

Thanks for the input and ideas everyone!

[furiousmilksheikali]