On a recent (but far too short) visit to New Delhi and Chennai for the British Council the topic that came up in various sessions more frequently than any other was how to deal with large classes of 60+ - and whether the good teacher qualities we were discussing applied equally to working in situations like that rather than in the more ‘privileged’ situations which I was showing in the film clips of teachers that I took with me.
     Of course the film we have of teachers in the UK (on the DVDs for How to Teach English and The Practice of English Language Teaching) only shows a particular teaching reality (small classes, young adults who are mostly authentic, multi-lingual groups), but some of the things that watchers see on these films – demonstrating activities, entertaining students, showing a passion for (and enjoyment of) teaching, good planning etc – are exactly the qualities we might expect from teachers whatever situation they are teaching in.
    The fact is, surely, that large classes are not necessarily a nightmare! On the contrary they have many advantages, and many teachers deal with them effectively and productively. They key seems to be (as with all teaching, perhaps) good organisation, and effective planning. Then the use of pair- and group-work, and of useful materials and clear instructions and classroom management come into play.
     What was delightful about the groups I worked with in India (both large and small) was the great passion for teaching I encountered there, and the fact that absolutely no one was shy about giving their forthright opinions on a number of topics.
     What was wonderful about India (for this first-time visitor) too was the speed with which I got some new tailored clothes when the airline I travelled with had decided to leave my luggage in Europe. That and the food, and eating off banana leaves, and some wonderful people, both in the British Council there, and in the groups I was privileged to work with.