LARGE CLASS SIZE: STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

Abstract

Large class size may be the result of many factors: lack of physical space, insufficient teaching staff, budgetary constraints, unexpected high enrollment, changes in degree/certificate requirements, etc. No matter what the cause, large class size is already a reality for some language teachers and no doubt will be an increasingly common situation in the language classrooms of tomorrow.

This paper will discuss different aspects of the challenges presented by large class size: administration, evaluation, syllabus design, materials development and how to most effectively deal with the large numbers of students in the language classroom. It will be seen that maintaining quality language programmes even with high student numbers is not only feasible, but can also lead to innovative pedagogic and administrative strategies.