Charis E. Kubrin

Teaching Tip:

Teaching Large Classes (90+ Students)

This tip pertains to teaching large classes (90+ students). One of the best ways to encourage participation in large classes is to make an extra effort to learn students' names--and especially those that frequently participate--right from the beginning. When students realize they are viewed as individuals and that you care enough to learn their names, they are much more likely to want to speak up in class.

To quickly learn names, I announce on the first day of class that I need students' help to learn their names. I ask them to state their name before they make a comment or ask a question until I am able to call on them without them having to remind me of their name (this usually takes about 3 or 4 interactions with the student). By the second or third week of classes, I can usually call by name at least 50% of the students.

To reinforce what I have learned (because this information fades quickly), I recall names and faces as I walk to class each day, and while the students are taking an exam, I go row by row and name each student to myself. Going the extra mile to learn AND remember students' names is abolutely worth the effort; your students will feel appreciative and you'll notice a significant increase in class participation.

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