Managing large foreign language classes at university

Abstract

The rationalisation of class sizes and subject offerings in majors, and the implementation of workloads models establishing parity in teaching hours and in student load per staff member across Faculty have created considerable challenges for tertiary foreign-language teaching over the past decade. This paper presents one way of responding to the imperatives of the new order, involving the adaptation and management of traditional class activities so that they remain valid in a group of 60 or more students, and the development and delivery of computer-based activities to allow students to receive as much (or as little) individualised instruction as they need outside of class. It reflects on principles and practices which, although not new, have assumed particular importance in the new environment, and analyses the impact of the changes on the dynamic of the class.