A class of forty is not a small class with more chairs. It is a different job. The teacher cannot speak to everyone, so the students must speak to each other. Here is how.
Use pairs, not the whole class
In pairs, every student speaks at the same time. In the whole class, one speaks and thirty-nine listen.
Turn to your partner. One minute each.
Give clear steps
Large classes need simple instructions. Say one step, then wait. Do not give five steps at once.
Step one: read. Step two: ask your partner.
Use a strong student
Ask a confident student to show the task with you first. Then everyone knows what to do.
Walk and listen
You cannot hear everyone, but you can hear some. Walk, stop, listen, and help one pair.
Keep the same routines
The same start, the same signal for quiet, the same pair work. Routines save minutes every lesson.
Praise the group
Say, "This table worked well." Group praise helps everyone, not only the loud students.
Words to remember
- manage — to control and organise
- routine — something you do the same way each time
- instruction — words that tell you what to do
- confident — sure about yourself
Questions & answers
Q: How do I keep the noise down?
Set a clear signal, and give a time limit. Busy students are quieter.
Q: What if there are not enough books?
Put one book between two students. Sharing is a task, not a problem.
Q: How do I check everyone's work?
You cannot. Check a sample, and let pairs check each other.
Q: What if the room is too small?
Use the corridor, the yard, or move the desks. Pair work needs space for voices, not tables.
Q: How do I help weak students in a big class?
Give them a model sentence on the board. They practise the same sentence with a partner.