A study of large group language instruction in Nigeria draws on experiences of 33 teachers providing remedial English second language instruction in Nigerian universities. The report presents: teacher experiences and perceptions of class size (often over 100); a questionnaire used to investigate practices in and attitudes toward large classes;…

The inclusion of talk, written language, and body language are critically important in primary classrooms. Although reading and writing may be regarded as cognitive activities, they are embedded in a social/cultural milieu, and the practice of mechanical decoding as a necessary precedent to real reading is not pedagogically sound. A whole class…

A literature search and survey of 259 Ohio State University faculty addressed advantages and disadvantages of large enrollment classes as well as factors in deciding appropriate class size. Results of both efforts found that the advantages of large classes included lowering of instructor costs, efficient use of faculty time and faculty talent,…

This project sought to explore the educational potential of three models of a University of Indiana computer conferencing technology in facilitating collaborative learning and enhancing social interaction in instructional contexts that provide limited face-to-face contact among the students. The study examined each of the three models of computer…

This practical reference guide for college faculty who teach large classes is presented, based on a workshop on improving teaching and learning in large classes. The workshop involved weekly meetings for the academic year, 1981-82, at Colorado State University. The following problems of teaching and learning in large classes were identified: (1)…

A survey of 113 college and university second language teachers in Japan, Nigeria, and other African countries gathered information on attitudes toward and concerns about teaching large classes. Responses to one question, "Large classes make it difficult to do what I would like to because...," were categorized into three groups:…

Though lecturing reflects the outmoded view that communication consists of action rather than transaction, large lecture classes are a reality that must be engaged. An interpersonal communication course can be adapted to the lecture hall and need not include the traditional lecture as the only teaching method. Students should be allowed to…

This booklet is the first of four sequels to the guide "Educational Objectives" that discuss the selection and use of instructional methods. Following a brief introduction, the systems approach to course or curriculum design is reviewed, and the selection of appropriate instructional methods is described as the second key step in the course or…

A guide to teaching the large introductory college course is presented. The primary sources of information were the experiences of faculty members teaching large introductory courses (100 or more students) at Kansas State University. Faculty members provided responses concerning the special pedagogical problems faced by teachers of the large…

Research evidence on the effectiveness of various methods of teaching at the university level are reviewed. Evidence is presented in the following areas: the effect of class size; large group instruction techniques; individualized learning, independent study, and programmed instruction; lecturing versus other methods; and laboratory teaching. The…

THE TAVISTOCK-LEICESTER JOINT RESIDENTIAL CONFERENCES (BASICALLY TRAINING LABORATORIES) WERE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE THE SENSITIVITY AND UNDERSTANDING OF PERSONS IN MANAGERIAL, PROFESSIONAL, OR ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES. MOST OF THESE CONFERENCES UTILIZED SMALL FACE-TO-FACE STUDY GROUPS, FORMAL LECTURES, INTERGROUP EXERCISES, LARGE GROUP EXERCISES,…

Four studies conducted on junior and senior high schools which have used some form of modular scheduling suggest that a proper way to evaluate flexible scheduling includes observation of behavior, the measurement of attitudes and opinions, and assessment of pupil achievement. The studies reported were conducted on the Fresno Unified School…

The blending of technology with teaching has permitted the introduction of individualized instruction for the total student body at Marshall High School, Portland, Oregon. In conjunction with the School of Education at Stanford University, a computerized modular-flexible schedule was made operational and put to use in September 1963. Prior to…

Describes the Interdisciplinary Honors Program in English and Social Studies at St. Catharine Academy, a Catholic high school for girls. Explains the instructional use of large group presentations, small group activities, independent study, and out-of-class experiences. Cites positive responses from teachers and students. (DMM)

Students' perceptions of instruction in large classes are summarized, based on standardized questionnaires administered in lower-division large classes. Students' ratings of classes and responses to open-ended questions are discussed in terms of content and amount learned, specific instructional dimensions, and evaluation processes. (MLW)