Active Learning in Large Classes:
I have very large classes, mainly
in the senior section. Usually, there are about 70-80 students in such classes.
It is quite a challenge teaching these classes.
This scenario fits perfectly with
the active discussion thread this week – Engaging students in large classes.
The reading material provided for this week will be of help to all teachers who
have large classes. Even those having smaller ones can benefit immensely from
the readings.
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| One of my large classes! |
The articles from UO and SERC
portal spoke of changing the classroom to a learner-centered environment where
there is interaction with and between the students. Many techniques and methods
that may help teachers make their lectures interactive are discussed. Think-pair-share,
concep tests, concept maps, quick think, question of the day, minute write, experiments,
demonstrations, interactive visual aids, using iclickers to instantly assess
the class opinion and role play are but some of them.
Of the above, I have used
a few in my classes earlier, like think-pair-share and role play. Some of these
engagement triggers may not be useful in my classes (eg. Iclickers, as they are
an expensive option, Gordana pointed this out) but the rest are definitely of
great value in making my classes interactive in nature. I hope to be able to
use these triggers effectively in my classroom soon. Just like Zulyar, I liked
the idea of using color index cards to make everyone participate.
Classroom projection does increase
the student attention dramatically. Whenever I have used it, I got better
participation and hence, better student performance. Using experiments or
demonstrations to illustrate a point is also very effective.
Using Interactive PowerPoint as an Engagement Aid:
There are perhaps no
cons/disadvantages in using a PowerPoint presentation to brighten up your
class. What we learned this week was how to make them interactive in nature. If
the student can participate in the presentation, learning can be both effective
and interesting.
The importance of using appropriate
fonts, text size, proper transitions, and using animation effectively were
points highlighted in the UO articles on making PPTs. Emphasis on practice and preparation
before a class are points to be remembered. I liked how it was stressed that
checking the lighting in the classroom before a presentation is of primary
importance. Often, in large classes this fact being neglected leads to an
ineffective presentation.
The videos and articles on making
interactive PPTs really came in handy while I was making my first interactive
PPT. I have already shared these with some of my friends who are teachers.
As usual, the sample PPTs provided
by Courtney guided me well. I made my PPT for my Grade 9 students. We are
currently doing a lesson on prepositions, so I planned my PPT as a follow up
lesson. I have included think-pair-share, quick write, concep test, and a video to make the students participate in the presentation. I have used fun characters in my PPT to make it both entertaining and
to help the shy ones connect with the PPT. Most of my students are familiar
with these characters, and seeing them on the slides would surely increase
participation and interest levels. I am yet to get the hang of making a
jeopardy style game to include in my PPT. I hope my students enjoy the lesson
as much as I did while making it.
Image Courtesy: http://www.samuelmerritt.edu/images/blog_powerpoint1.jpg
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