Increasing Student Engagement in Large Classes

Abstract

This article introduces a simple, flexible approach to engaging students within large classes, known as ARC (application, response, collaboration). ARC encourages each student’s presence and engagement in class; creates a sense of excitement and anticipation; breaks down passivity and anonymity; effectively gains, maintains, and utilizes students’ attention; fosters a nonthreatening learning environment; raises students’ awareness of personal perspectives and biases; and encourages integration of ideas and critical thinking. ARC can also be used for meaningful assessment between formal evaluations as well as to reward each student’s preparation and reading of the class material. The principles, practice, benefits, and measures of success of ARC as an effective pedagogical approach in a large survey course are outlined.