title: Trials of large group teaching in Malaysian private universities: a cross sectional study of teaching medicine and other disciplines.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This is a pilot cross sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative approach towards tutors teaching large classes in private universities in the Klang Valley (comprising Kuala Lumpur, its suburbs, adjoining towns in the State of Selangor) and the State of Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The general aim of this study is to determine the difficulties faced by tutors when teaching large group of students and to outline appropriate recommendations in overcoming them.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two academics from six private universities from different faculties such as Medical Sciences, Business, Information Technology, and Engineering disciplines participated in this study. SPSS software was used to analyse the data. The results in general indicate that the conventional instructor-student approach has its shortcoming and requires changes. Interestingly, tutors from Medicine and IT less often faced difficulties and had positive experience in teaching large group of students.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  However several suggestions were proposed to overcome these difficulties ranging from breaking into smaller classes, adopting innovative teaching, use of interactive learning methods incorporating interactive assessment and creative technology which enhanced students learning. Furthermore the study provides insights on the trials of large group teaching which are clearly identified to help tutors realise its impact on teaching. The suggestions to overcome these difficulties and to maximize student learning can serve as a guideline for tutors who face these challenges.
authors: PhD Student from University Malaya and Lead Coordinator School of Medicine Education Unit, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Sunway Campus, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia. susanthomas@monash.edu.
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Thomas
authors: Shamini
authors: S
authors: Subramaniam
authors: Mathew
authors: M
authors: Abraham
authors: Laysan
authors: L
authors: Too
authors: Loosee
authors: L
authors: Beh