Teaching Large Multilevel Classes

Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers

by Natalie Hess

This book provides practical advice for teachers who work with large, mixed-ability classes. It offers a wide variety of activities to develop student motivation, interest, participation and responsibility.

210 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2001

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I teach a large class in Human Anatomy and Physiology -- and I need help.
The book features chapters based on basic issues or concerns one would have in any large class with students at all kinds of levels. Hess's focus is specifically on teaching language and so all the activities -- and there are many! -- are most suitable for teaching language and the kind of language skills students need to develop. Despite the differences in my course and a language course, I did find much of the book valuable for considering things I might change to improve my students experience of my course.

The book begins with a thanks and acknowledgements section, then an introduction, followed by eight chapters featuring many activities. The book concludes with a bibliography and index.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pretty disappointed with the other books I've bought from the Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers series, but this book is fantastic. I WISH I had read it before I started teaching -- it's full of practical suggestions on how to teach big classes, especially concerning meaningful group work and creating a sense of community and continuity. I hope to implement a lot of this stuff in my classroom ASAP.

[Ann Gaines Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few books I've ever read for work that I found myself saving - by which I mean I let myself read only one chapter at a time, so I didn't finish it too quickly. I've now passed my copy on a colleague and made a note to buy a copy for the nonprofit where I work, so I can have access to one whereever I'm doing my lesson planning.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

practical knowledge and gentle encouragement, nicely arranged. Good for all types of teachers, especially newbies like myself.