EFFECTIVE TEACHING METHODS FOR LARGE CLASSES

Abstract

Colleges and universities in the United States are experiencing significant growth in student enrollment (U.S. Department of Education, 2005). Concurrently, enrollment in family and consumer sciences-related programs is growing. As a result, family and consumer science educators face the daunting challenge of teaching larger classes while maintaining/improving the quality of instruction and subsequent value delivered to students. This study uses descriptive and inferential statistical techniques to examine the effectiveness of five teaching methods (lecture, lecture/discussion combination, jigsaw, case study, team project) in a large class setting. In addition, student preferences for class size and teaching methods are explored. The findings provide valuable direction for faculty teaching large classes.