Phase II Finale: Mitigating the Challenges of Large Class Sizes through Co-Teaching
In UNBREAKABLE Episode 22, we concluded our series on the Teacher's Role by addressing a reality in many Nigerian schools: Large Class Sizes. When a single teacher is overwhelmed by a massive number of students, personalized learning often suffers, and students' academic self-confidence begins to erode.
The Solution: The Lead-Assist Co-Teaching Model
To ensure no student is left behind, we recommend the One Teach, One Assist model. This strategy allows for personalized attention even in a room full of students. It requires two teachers to work in harmony with clearly defined roles.
Roles and Responsibilities
| Lesson Phase | Lead Teacher Role | Assist Teacher Role |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Delivers the main hook and learning objectives. | Distributes materials and monitors engagement. |
| Instruction | Explains core concepts to the whole class. | Circulates to check for "puzzled faces" and clarifies individually. |
| Guided Practice | Facilitates the main activity. | Pulls a small group for a brief "re-teach" if they are struggling. |
Key Mechanics for Success
For this to work effectively in your school, keep these four mechanics in mind:
- ✔ Clear Role Signals: Teachers should use visible cues (like specific standing positions) so students know who to approach for help without interrupting the main lesson.
- ✔ Non-verbal Cues: Use pre-agreed hand signals between teachers to communicate if the pace is too fast or if a specific group needs intervention.
- ✔ Data-Driven Decisions: The Assist teacher should take notes on student errors to inform the next day's planning.
The Ultimate Goal
When teachers collaborate to manage large classes effectively, students feel "seen." This sense of being supported is the first step in building the confidence they need to reject examination malpractice and embrace their own academic potential.