Job Discussion Forums

Ruth · Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 105 Location: China

arioch - in my case, the class sizes ARE 64-66 students. These kids stay together all day, in the same classroom. The teachers go to them. My classes are no larger than any other teacher's in the school. In fact, most are larger. I've thought about splitting the class and teaching twice as many lessons (which I would do for no extra money because it would benefit the kids). This isn't workable because there is no empty room to send the extra kids to and they don't let them study in the dorm. Also, the students' schedule is very grueling and THEY don't have extra time to accomodate this. I'll just have to make the best of it, because I don't think this is a contract negotiable item.

Kev - got over 400 sticks from the ice cream factory. Didn't know we had one locally but another teacher took care of it for me. Have used them in 2 of my classes so far and the kids think it is great!

Have also ordered some of the books that were suggested. Thanks for all the help, everyone.

ellenjane10 · Joined: 16 Jun 2003 Posts: 12

Music is a good method of teaching English pronunciation, grammar and some vocabulary. I bought a small CD player and I use it with big classes to teach songs. I get photocopies made of the lyrics so I can give the students the words. I collect the photocopies after each lesson. This way my photocopies will last for all of my 15 lessons with classes of 50 to 60 Senior One students. I like spending about 15 minutes of a lesson with a song/songs because it lets everyone have a chance to participate and say/sing something in English.

Kurochan · Joined: 01 Mar 2003 Posts: 944 Location: China

The other day I had 80 students in my oral English class! The only reason why it won't swell like Roger's (I hope) is that there wasn't any more room for additional chairs. It's just the beginning of the semester so I'm hoping the numbers will go down, with some of the students switching to another section.

Luckily, they're university students, and know a decent amount of English, so I think I can manage it. I did okay with my 70+ classes last semester, but it was tough with a class of 60 that basically didn't speak any English.

I feel confident about teaching them, but maybe I am MAD MAD MAD Twisted Evil

!

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

Ruth,
quite frankly, I deem it a mistake if you volunteer to work double at no extra salary. Don't do them FAVOURS - your presence is ENOUGH of that, believe me!

If you have no other choice, perhaps you should change the contents of your lessons. A reasonable discussion under such circumstances is unthinkable; do something else. Games are always "in"; how about listening to liryics and take down (not hand out photocopied versions of) songs.

Deborann · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 5:18 am Post subject:

I have 40+ in my University 1st year Speaking and Listening classes, and trying to make sure they all speak at least once each class keeps me busy.

In my Public Relations class there are 66, and in the International Management class there are 116. These are 3rd year students. I work in the Business faculty for all of my classes so their English is a lower level than those who are English majors. With these two classes I am using theory plus problem-solving to ensure involvement by all.

carken · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 3:11 pm Post subject:

Re: using popsicle sticks to call on students

I've used a similar method with index cards, but considering the large classes, popsicle sticks would be more manageable. However, I don't put the card/stick aside once I've called on a student. I found that they catch on pretty quick to that, and if they've been called on, they know they don't have to pay attention anymore for awhile. Just let Lady Luck have her way!

Carole