Enhancing Large Classes With Active Learning Pedagogical Skills

Abstract

This chapter is an account of personal experiences of lecturers teaching large classes at an institution of higher learning where a lack of active learning skills among students was observed. A number of challenges for active learning were identified including lack of facilities and large classes. The lecture method was identified as the main delivery method at the institution that led to students becoming passive listeners and not active constructors of knowledge. Additionally, higher-order thinking skills were not evident during lectures in large classes as most of the tasks required low-level thinking skills. There was a rush to finish the course outlines and to make sure that the number of prescribed tasks was given to students, which compromised not only active learning but also the overall quality of teaching.