The Effects of Large Classes on English Language Teaching

Abstract

Large classes are one of the issues that have been dealt with in the educational sector. Limited academic staff, educational marketing and massification of higher education have all contributed to a global shift in university class sizes. This conceptual paper aims to explore the effects of large size classes on English language teaching. The paper examines the challenges regarding teaching and learning in large classes by reviewing some of the empirical evidence against large class teaching. Giving effective feedback, marking load, lack of class discipline and monitoring, timely evaluation and noise were among the main problems that hindered teaching and learning in large classes. In terms of engaging students in activities and learning, all students could not participate in the activities as well as teachers could not pay attention to every individual student. Lack of materials such as textbooks, chairs, tables, and to name a few were other constraints in large classes.