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High-engagement techniques for large groups in the English classroom
Published in: Learning

High-engagement techniques for large groups in the English classroom

Teaching English to large groups presents unique challenges. With more students in the room, teachers often face limited interaction, varying proficiency levels, and the constant need to keep everyone engaged. Yet research in education shows that class size does not automatically determine learning quality; rather, the strategies teachers use make the difference. This article explores practical, research-based techniques that English teachers can apply to increase engagement and participation, even in large classes and without relying on technology.

Understanding engagement in large groups

Engagement is not simply paying attention; it involves cognitive, emotional, and behavioral participation. High-engagement classrooms show students thinking, interacting, asking questions, and applying what they learn. According to the American Psychological Association (2024), engagement rises when students experience autonomy, competence, and meaningful social connection. In large groups, these factors can be harder to achieve, but not impossible with intentional instructional choices.

The challenge of scale

Large classes make it difficult to provide individualized feedback and to create active learning moments. Studies in TESOL indicate that when classes exceed 30–35 students, teachers must rely on whole-group strategies rather than constant one-to-one interaction. However, this does not mean reduced quality. High-engagement techniques provide structure and active participation without requiring more time or digital tools.

The goal is not to control a large group, but to design learning experiences that scale.

1. Use structured routines that minimize cognitive load

Research from the Center for Development and Learning (2023) highlights that predictable routines reduce cognitive load and free up mental resources for learning. In large English classes, routines help keep transitions smooth and students focused.

Try:
 • Clear, repeated warm-up formats (3-minute vocabulary challenge, short pronunciation drill)
 • The same structure for pair work or group reports
 • Predictable “exit tasks” at the end of class

These routines reduce confusion, keep students accountable, and create a sense of momentum.

 

High-engagement techniques for large groups in the English classroom

2. Implement low-prep peer interaction activities

Peer interaction is one of the strongest predictors of language acquisition. According to Richards & Farrell (2021), structured pair tasks help learners produce more language than teacher-led discussion, even in large rooms.

Use activities like:
 • Think-pair-share: students think individually, discuss with a partner, then share with the group.
 • Speed interviewing: students rotate and ask short questions using target structures.
 • Micro-dialogues: students build short exchanges practicing specific functions (“asking for help”, “giving opinions”).

These activities increase student talk time without requiring additional materials.

3. Ask questions that generate meaningful talk

Open-ended questions encourage deeper thinking and are easier to manage with large groups. Research from Edutopia (2022) shows that using “wide-angle questions” builds engagement and reduces passive listening.

Examples:
 • “What would happen if…?”
 • “Which option would you choose and why?”
 • “How could we solve this differently?”

Teachers can assign quick partner discussions first, then select a few students to share, ensuring participation without pressure.

4. Use movement strategically to reset attention

Short, structured movement activities improve focus and memory. A study by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (2020) found that incorporating brief movement resets increased participation in large classes.

Ideas:
 • Stand-up/ sit-down responses (“stand if this word is a noun”)
 • “Move to the corner that matches your opinion.”
 • “Line-up challenges” according to vocabulary categories

Movement keeps energy high and supports kinesthetic learners.



  1. Create micro-groups for quick collaboration

Instead of relying on full-class discussions, dividing a large group into clusters of 3–4 students increases accountability. Micro-groups work faster, produce more language and require minimal setup.

Try:
 • 2-minute group summaries
 • collaborative vocabulary lists
 • fast brainstorming for writing tasks

These small units increase participation and allow teachers to circulate efficiently.

6. Provide fast, scalable feedback

Feedback is essential, but individual corrections can be time-consuming. Research from the Education Endowment Foundation (2023) shows that whole-class, “global” feedback can be as effective as personal notes.

Strategies include:
 • highlight common errors anonymously at the board
 • model improved versions of student sentences
 • give quick verbal guidance during pair tasks

This approach supports growth while keeping lessons flowing

Large classes do not have to limit engagement. With structured routines, student-to-student interaction, targeted questions, movement, micro-groups, and scalable feedback, English teachers can create dynamic learning environments at any size. Engagement grows when every student has a role, a voice, and a clear path to participate.

High-engagement techniques for large groups in the English classroom

References:

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