LSU Faculty Share Strategies for Engaging Students in Large-Enrollment Classes

BATON ROUGE - On February 25, the LSU Office of Academic Affairs and the LSU Faculty Senate hosted Teaching at Scale: Engaging Students in Large-Enrollment Classes, a campus-wide panel focused on strengthening student engagement in high-enrollment courses. The event brought together more than 50 faculty and graduate teaching assistants for an interactive conversation on effective teaching practices at scale.

The event was funded through a grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents, which established LSU’s Geaux Further Initiative, an effort designed to enhance student learning outcomes through collaborative course redesign, teaching innovation, and evidence-based instructional practices. The initiative supports faculty in integrating active learning, career-connected experiences, and workforce-aligned approaches into foundational courses that serve as academic gateways for students, helping improve both engagement and long-term success. 

Moderated by Faculty Senate President Daniel C. Tirone, and organized by CxC Faculty Chair Jenny Baumgartner, the panel featured distinguished faculty members Maribel Dietz, Dan Capron, Zakiya S. Wilson-Kennedy, and David Young, who shared practical approaches to designing engaging learning environments in large classes. Discussion topics included course structure, active learning techniques, the thoughtful use of technology, and strategies for building community and supporting student success—even in settings where class sizes can make personal connection more challenging.

“This panel reflects our commitment to equipping faculty with practical tools that support student success in every learning environment,” said Jacqueline Bach, Vice Provost for Academic Programs & Support Services. “Large-enrollment courses are often foundational to the student experience, and conversations like this help ensure those courses remain engaging, rigorous, and impactful.”

Faculty Senate President Daniel C. Tirone highlighted the leadership role faculty play in shaping effective approaches to teaching at scale: “Faculty are continually refining how they teach large courses, and this was a valuable opportunity for them to lead the conversation on what works. Events like this create space to exchange ideas and share practices that enhance learning for all students.”

Attendees had the opportunity to learn directly from colleagues who have demonstrated excellence in teaching large-enrollment courses and to participate in a Q&A that encouraged dialogue across disciplines. The session was recorded and is available as a resource for faculty and graduate teaching assistants seeking to enhance engagement and learning outcomes in their own classrooms.

 

Teaching at scale: engaging students in large-enrollment classes (recording)