Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Jordan Feingold, and I am from Lake Worth, Florida. I am a second year at Florida State University majoring in Interdisciplinary Medical Science specifically focusing on pre-clinical professions while being on a pre-medical track. My goal after medical school is to become a surgeon and being in involved with research has taught me a lot not just in the medical field. Through my research I have learned about overcrowded classes specifically in Malawi and how that impacts not just the students but also the teachers. In addition to research, I am also an active member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and involved with Hillel while also volunteering at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Exploring Instruction and Management Strategies in Overcrowded Classrooms

Abstract

Large class sizes present unique challenges and opportunities for educators, particularly in resource-limited settings. These are classes that have more than 80 students and a single teacher. This project aims to explore the teachers’ beliefs about large class pedagogy and management strategies. Over the summer of 2024, a research team conducted interviews and focus group discussions with head teachers, section heads, and classroom teachers at 10 schools. A total of 20 classroom teachers were included. Audio files were transcribed and translated from Chichewa to English, as needed. The transcripts were then coded using NVivo 14 qualitative data analysis software. The team used open thematic coding along with an a priori codebook. Preliminary findings reveal that group work is a common classroom management strategy utilized by teachers in overcrowded classrooms. The current line of research specifically investigates the use of student grouping and its impact on instruction. By understanding the cultural and contextual aspects of using grouping to support instruction, researchers can develop better teacher training programs. This line of research opens the door to further study large class pedagogy and methods to make learning environments better for students around the world.

Keywords: Classrooms, management, overcrowded, strategies