AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO OVERCOME PROBLEMS OF LARGE CLASSROOMS

Abstract

Teaching large classes has always been a problem to many language teachers. The situation becomes mocre problematic when the students' proficiency in the language is very poor and particiaption among students is almost negligible. Many students are reluctant to speak the language because they feel that they cannot master the correct formof the language and hence remain passive during English language lessons. Many teachers resort to group work to enable their students to interact among themselves. Since the number of students in the classroom is big, the problem regarding noise is inevitable. Movement by both the teacher and students is also restricted as the students desks are fairly close to one another. Hence getting into group becomes cumbersome.

This article deals with some strategies of overcoming problems of teaching in large and often overcrowded classrooms. It looks into the possibilities of promoting teaching and learning outside the classroom during regular teaching hours. It provides a rationale for the teaching of English outside the classroom and discusses some principles regarding it. It also presents activities, which have been conducted and proven to be successful.