Strategies for Teaching Large Classes
Sue Willey's Tips
Classroom Management
- Attendance Policy
- Numbered seating chart
- Daily attendance sheets
- Link to Extra-Credit availability
- Quizzes -- Administer on-line via WebCT
- Testing
(Scantron)
- Multiple forms on different colored paper
- Manually distribute alternating forms to
students
- Students must sign and turn in test with answer
sheet
- Note: long, hard tests make it harder to cheat
- Returning tests and papers - use seat numbers
- To reduce cheating on papers
- Use experiential papers or "closed
memos" rather than research papers
- Require students to attach
"verification" forms
- Require other specific information that can be
verified
- Other administrative uses of WebCT
- Bulletin board for announcements
- Post instructions and forms for papers, EC
opportunities
- Distribution of class materials, e.g.,
exercises to be used in the next day's class
Teaching and Learning
- Establishing and maintaining rapport
- Student "data sheet" on first day
(comment on a few of the responses in the second class)
- Use an interactive, substantive activity the
first day to "hook" their interest and set the tone for the
course
- Try to arrive early for class; interact with
students
- Provide "practical" EC opportunities,
e.g., Web site critique, article review, MC application questions
- Post outlines on WebCT to enhance student
note-taking (allow students to use one page "Cheat sheet" on
tests)
- On-line quizzes -- shift some basic material
outside class to leave more time in class for deeper learning
- Post supplemental readings on WebCT; weave them
into class discussion
- On-line assessments (specific assignment, use of
WebCT, overall course assessment)