Teaching and Learning in Large Classes

**NEW SERIES**

Teaching large classes presents unique challenges but also significant opportunities to create impactful learning experiences at scale. This series is designed for instructors who teach large-enrolment courses and are looking to enhance student engagement, streamline course design, and implement sustainable teaching practices. 

Through a combination of evidence-informed approaches, practical strategies, and available tools, participants will explore how to design and facilitate effective learning experiences in large classes. The series will address key considerations for instruction, assessment, student engagement, and collaboration, while highlighting approaches that are scalable, meaningful, and responsive to diverse learner needs.


What to Expect 

Workshops will typically be scheduled for 60 to 120 minutes, allowing time for presentation, reflection, discussion, and hands-on application of key concepts. Every workshop is designed to allow flexibility in participation. 


Upcoming Sessions

Scaling Up Learning: Faculty Panel Insights on Teaching Large Courses
August 25, 2026, 1:00-2:30 p.m. (online)

This faculty panel discussion will bring together instructors of large classes from across disciplines at Western. Focused on areas including instruction, assessment and Generative Artificial Intelligence, panelists will talk about their own successes, strategies and challenges in teaching large courses. Whether you are currently teaching, or looking to teach a class of 50, 500 or more, this panel will offer practical insights for your classroom and practice.


Student Engagement in Large Courses
October 6, 2026, 10:00-11:30 a.m. (in-person)

This faculty panel discussion will bring together instructors of large classes from across disciplines at Western. Focused on areas including instruction, assessment and Generative Artificial Intelligence, panelists will talk about their own successes, strategies and challenges in teaching large courses. Whether you are currently teaching, or looking to teach a class of 50, 500 or more, this panel will offer practical insights for your classroom and practice.


Assessment and Feedback in Large Courses
October 26, 2026, 1:00-2:30 p.m. (online)

This workshop explores how to overcome commone hurdles to assessment and feedback in large classes. Participants will walk through examples of various assessment types that function well in large classes, tools and strategies to support scaling assessments in their classes and will begin to develop their own assessment ecosystem to ensure students are given opportunities to practice and receive feedback while limiting marking burnout that can occur in large classes.


Audience

Western instructors, librarians, archivists, post doctoral scholars, and staff involved in teaching activities, course design, or supporting learners at Western.