Managing large classrooms requires structured routines, clear expectations, and interactive techniques to keep students engaged. Strategies like polling, group discussions, and structured Q&A sessions help maintain order and inclusivity. Technology, such as clickers or learning management systems, can enhance organization and participation.

1. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Classroom management refers to the
strategies that instructors use to ensure
classes run smoothly.
Here are a few strategies for
managing a larger group:
create an inclusive and safe
learning environment
Learning and Teaching Innovation Center
11
Franck Herling
LARGER GROUP
Ask students to summarize, provide group
feedback, encourage peer correction and
feedback, use a survey or quiz
WELCOME STUDENTS
Send an email welcoming students before class begins, get to class
early, play background music, introduce yourself, greet the students
and ask about their interests and expectations using a survey
Use icebreaker activities in small groups, have students
introduce themselves before class and then answer
questions about other students during class
MANAGE CLASSROOM INTERACTIONS
Use group activities (buzz groups, think-pair-share, etc.), mix up teams, assign
roles to students, appoint a spokesperson from each team to share ideas with
the whole class, ask a student to moderate the chat, move around the classroom
going from team to team, use an interactive voting tool and a collaborative wall
Effective classroom management optimizes the experience
of both the students and the instructor because it helps:
The instructor is at the
helm guiding the
students’ journey so that
the entire class arrives
at the destination.
prevent interpersonal
problems
INTERVENE WHEN PROBLEMS ARISE
Use non-verbal cues, move closer to students, be silent
if necessary, use humor, react to persistent disruptive
behaviors, speaking in private if necessary
ENSURE UNDERSTANDING
INTRODUCTIONS
CREATE A POSITIVE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT
Treat all students equally, ensure interactions are respectful,
allow students to make mistakes, be enthusiastic, show humor
ESTABLISH CLASSROOM RULES
Define the framework for classroom activities, clarify
expectations, give clear instructions, specify the
rules as well as your availability and office hours
STRUCTURE CLASS SESSIONS
Vary activities and pace, use a timer for
activities, set up routines, schedule breaks