Teaching a Large Class
by Asma
(Saudi Arabia)
I teach five classes and I have 40 girls in each class. We have 40 miuntes for each class, four times a week. My students are between 15 and 17. They are so noisy.
We have to study 6 units in 3 months and each one has 8 lessons with different skills (e.g. listening, reading, writing, discussion, and we have to learn a lot of vocabulary at the same time).
I have some difficulty to manage them and make them interested in English.
Thanks a lot and sorry for this long situation.
Hi Asma,
First I have to tell you that the largest groups that I have ever taught have been groups of 13, so 40 is MUCH bigger than I have experience with. Despite this I will do my best to give you some advice.
First, you have a lot of material to cover so you really need to divide everything up and create a plan. Have deadlines for yourself so that you can keep on schedule.
Second, you need to try and make your classes as interactive as possible or else your students will just fall asleep. This could be a problem with 40 students but let’s try and figure something out.
I would set up a group or team idea where people could earn points. It sounds a bit childish BUT if you do it correctly then they might enjoy it. You can divide the class into two groups (green and blue) and then explain how they can earn points. (Doing homework, BEING QUITE IN CLASS, participating etc) You can even take points away if people are talking too much. The points can be recorded on a poster that is posted in the room for everyone to see.
With this you obviously need to think of a reward that will motivate them. Try and find something that they will enjoy. Even candy or chocolate works. Sure you probably will have to buy it yourself so keep it affordable but if you can find out what motivates these kids then you will be able to control the class a bit more.
In terms of the class I would establish homework as MANDATORY. If students review and prepare then the classes will go much more smoothly and you can cover more material. Make them regret not doing their homework, and don’t let them get away with not doing it. Play games that require the homework to be done and if someone has not done it give them a hard time. Ask why they didn’t do it and explain why they really need to.
Start your classes with a homework review drill. Try to do things that are interactive, and full of energy. Playing taboo to review vocabulary is great! I recommend doing this at the beginning and at the end of class.
I would also balance class work and group work. Having 40 kids sitting and listening to you might get really boring. Rather than you standing at the front of the class talking or writing, you can divide the class into pairs or groups. Make sure that they stay on task though and don't see group work as an excuse for talking about lunch etc.
I hope that helps give you some ideas. I invite others to add more ideas if they have any. Also, if you have ever been in a class of 40 what things did you enjoy as a student? It is always great to get a students perspective on things.
Let me know how it goes Asma, and if you need more help just let me know and give me some more details.
Cheers,
Diana
