Ask me about the largest class I had to deal as a teacher! It was back in 2005 when Dr. Wayne Scott from the US came to teach at our university as a foreign faculty. The university authority cramped almost all Business Administration students into one class to get the maximum benefit 'out of' a foreign faculty. The course was titled 'Introduction to English Literature' and there were 150 students there! I was there with Dr. Scott not only as an assistant but also as an interpreter. Traditional mode of lecture-based teaching was practiced in the class. The difference was in the assessment. I first got introduced to the idea of having different kinds of question patterns to assess students' learning in easier ways other than the conventional question-answer pattern of essay writing. The classroom experience was not so sweet back then... But as I read the articles given for this week and also take into account of my colleagues' experience from different parts of the world, I feel confident about facing large classes now. (I won't still call for one!)
Now I'm teaching groups of 43, 49, and 35 in three classes. What I feel about using technology aids (Blackboard/classroom clicks) or different techniques (quick-thinks/think-pair-share etc) to ease the 'pain' of teaching large classes and enhance learning is - a concrete planning and a thorough preparation are required. Will the given class time be enough? Did I check all details so that I'm in control? Will I be able to adjust with any mishap, like a power failure or missing handouts?
Some of the technology tools are jaw-openers for us, especially the assessment tools. But to incorporate these into our system might take a little longer...
I use power point for my classes. But never explored all these wonderful interactive tools before. The weekly task was very constructive as I practiced some new modes. It was also stimulating as I saw 'things' happening in my slides. I took such a pleasure in making those slides!
It's nice to visualize all the other participants busily working with their students to implement their projects too. I'll be waiting for my turn . . .
Dear Tahsina,
ReplyDeleteI am amazed with the number of students you have had back in 2005 and I personally felt better with the number of students in my classes -65.
As you have said in your post, I also use powerpoint in my classes but never used most the interactive tools before. I feel very lucky as I'll have a chance to practice them in my classes for the coming semester.
Thank you for the sharing.
Best,
Hülya
Hi Tahsina,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the shift from conventional teaching to technology-based one often makes us afraid of possibilities of pesky problems that might bug us in employing the technology in class, and, of course, we need very good preparation. With that, we maximize the students' learning experience further.
Also, I think the interactive tools that we've encountered this week can also be used to stimulate students' interest so that they can unconsciously learn many things by doing the task.
Regards,
Bobby
Hi Tahsina,
ReplyDeleteFacing large classes is a reality for you, and it sounds like you have great approach to dealing with it. You stated, " to ease the 'pain' of teaching large classes and enhance learning is - a concrete planning and a thorough preparation are required." You have the right idea!
I'm so glad that the interactive power point component to the week 6 materials gave you further tools to stimulate you and your learners. It makes me happy to hear that you are learning so many useful approaches.
Don't worry, your turn will come to implement your project and you will reap the rewards of all your careful planning.
Best!
Courtney
Dear Hulya, Bobby and Courtney,
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading my post and leaving a comment.
Tahsina