The main aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of students and teachers in a large class. Perceptions regarding the environment, the material and the class in general. To achieve that, a qualitative process was used in order to obtain information to be able to answer the aims of this research project. The main tools for collecting the data were an interview to the teacher, questionnaires to some students as well as some observations in the classroom. All the instruments were used in order to obtain their own perceptions about themselves as well as each other: teacher-students and students- teacher. The teacher’s interview was recorded and transcribed and then analyzed and compared with the answers that students gave in the questionnaires.
The results were expected to contribute to the orientation of teachers who are teaching in similar situations. In addition, this paper aims to illustrate the common problems that can be found in this type of classrooms and see if more teachers identify themselves with this topic. The findings show the urgent necessity of knowing and implementing new and different strategies when teaching too many students, taking into account the environment and other different aspects which are found in high overpopulated schools. The results of this investigation showed that students are not totally satisfied with the teacher’s methodology as one of the most outstanding problems. It also showed the teacher’s perceptions about his students and their lack of interest, it also showed the limitations that a teacher has to innovate in a classroom overcrowded with at least 50 students.
Table of Contents
1. CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
2. CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Defining Large classes
2.2 Defining “Perception”
2.3 Advantages of teaching and learning in a large group
2.4 Disadvantages of teaching and learning in large groups
2.5 Classroom Management
2.5.1 Atmosphere
2.5.2 SPACE
2.5.3 TIME
2.6 MANAGING THE GROUP
2.7 Pair and group work
3. CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research methodology: Qualitative Research
3.2 CONTEXT
3.3 PARTICIPANTS
3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHODS
3.5 ANALYSIS
4. CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS
4.3 What teacher perceives from students in a large group
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions of both students and teachers regarding the experience of being in a large English language class in a public high school in Mexico, focusing on the classroom environment, instructional materials, and teaching methodology.
- The impact of large, overcrowded class sizes on student engagement and learning.
- Teachers' classroom management strategies and perceived challenges in large groups.
- Student and teacher perspectives on instructional materials and pedagogical approaches.
- The relationship between the classroom environment and student participation.
- Strategies to improve the teaching-learning process in overpopulated high school settings.
Excerpt from the Book
2.5.1 Atmosphere
In a large class the teacher must consider ways in which the atmosphere in the class can assist learning and how the behavior and language of both teacher and students can contribute to create a better atmosphere. Teacher must know how to deal with the physical conditions and know the effects in the students. Once the teacher knows the level and age of the students it becomes easier to try to get the proper conditions in the classroom. If the teacher knows that teenagers like some kind of activities, music or topics, then the teacher has the basic tools to start, then, by having a positive attitude towards teaching and learning the teacher is ready to settle the proper atmosphere for the students.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the educational context in Mexico, outlining how budget constraints have led to overcrowded classrooms and discussing the resulting challenges for English language teaching.
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews expert opinions on the definition of large classes, the advantages and disadvantages of teaching in such groups, and the fundamental aspects of classroom management, including space, time, and group dynamics.
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY: This chapter describes the qualitative research process, the selection of the public high school context, the participants involved, and the specific data collection methods used, including observations, questionnaires, and interviews.
CHAPTER 4 FINDINGS: This chapter presents and analyzes the results derived from the research instruments, specifically exploring the perceptions held by both students and the teacher regarding their experiences in large classrooms.
Keywords
Large classes, English language teaching, student perception, teacher perception, classroom management, public high school, qualitative research, classroom environment, overcrowded, teaching methodology, student engagement, educational policy, overpopulation, classroom dynamics, language acquisition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on investigating the perceptions of teachers and students regarding the teaching and learning process within large, overpopulated English language classes at a public high school.
What are the main thematic areas covered in the work?
The study covers classroom management, the impact of environment and space on learning, instructional materials, teaching methodologies, and the relationship between student engagement and class size.
What is the central research question?
The primary research goal is to understand how teachers and students perceive their roles and the learning environment in a large class setting and how these perceptions affect the educational outcome.
Which scientific method was applied in this study?
The author employed a qualitative research approach, utilizing individual interviews, student questionnaires, and direct classroom observations to gather data.
What is discussed in the main part of the book?
The main part of the book provides a literature review on classroom management, details the methodology used, and presents the findings regarding the teacher's and students' attitudes and behaviors in a crowded classroom.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The work is best characterized by terms such as large classes, classroom management, student perception, English language teaching, and overcrowding.
Why did the author choose to observe specific students at the front and back of the classroom?
The author aimed to understand how different physical seating locations influenced student behavior and engagement levels within the large group setting.
What role does the teacher's tone of voice play in the findings?
The findings suggest that the teacher's tone of voice is perceived by students as insufficiently authoritative or engaging, which contributes to difficulties in managing the class and maintaining student interest.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Olga Lidia Sanchez Cruz (Autor:in), Dalia Patrica Carrera Rodríguez (Autor:in), 2015, Large classes and how High School teachers and students perceive them, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/341770
