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In a larger classroom size of students wanting to learn English as a second language, they are likely to be more reserved than in a smaller classroom. It is normal for students learning a language not native to them to lack participation in fear of embarrassment for being incorrect. In a classroom with more students they have more eyes and ears on them at all times. That is why, as a teacher, it is important to create a healthy learning environment in order to motivate student engagement so that it is easier to give students the attention and support they need. One great way to give all students' attention and engage them at the start of class is to have each student answer an attendance question based on that days lesson. For example if the lesson that day, for a novice low-mid, on ACTFL scale, was about the seasons I would put the sentence starter ‘my favorite season is….. because…” as well as the season names in English. I could give each student time to think about it for a few minutes and allow questions as I wander around the room. Then I will ask each student to respond to my question and take attendance, if needed. It is important to differentiate the attendance question and give students a chance to create with the language as to push them beyond their proficiency level. This engages each student with the target language, English, and allows them to be more comfortable in front of their peers which builds confidence. This activity allows the teacher to hear from each individual to see where they are at and if they need support. From that point on it is important to have a student-centered classroom so that they are communicating and the teacher is able to wander, listen, and answer any and all questions. Once the students have collaborated on the activity it is important to bring it back to a whole class discussion where the teacher should encourage students to participate in sharing. If students do not raise their hands or volunteer the teacher could put in place a popsicle stick system to randomize calling. Wandering and answering individual questions during student centered learning gives each student an opportunity to ask questions for clarity allowing the teacher to pay attention to each one’s needs. Bringing it back to the whole group allows the teacher assess the class as a whole. Formative assessments during class as well as feedback on summative assessments help the teacher to monitor the students progress and connect with all students on a regular basis. In a large classroom it is important to formatively assess individual students and the class as a whole through units. One good example of a way to formatively assess and measure individual students understanding is to have them write an exit ticket or one-minute paper on a notecard with their name based on the topic that day. Another example is at the beginning of class with the attendance question. A helpful example for a way to formatively assess a large class as a whole is to use a platform like Kahoot to make fun quizzes which allows the teacher to ask a question and see what number of students in the class chose the correct or wrong answer. Both individual and whole group formative assessment allows the teacher to give a large class attention.
