He suggests that there should be a variety of activities, not only over the length of the course, but also within each class period itself. Within this diverse learning framework the most crucial requirement, Frederick feels, is that there are spaces left in the material being developed so that the students have the opportunity to fill in themselves with their own insights and analysis. There are a number of ways in which students can fill in these important'spaces' within the large class environment. Small group discussion is, perhaps, the most valuable and widely-used tool. Small groups also help shy students to become involved, and offer the opportunity for peer teaching.
Instructors can use questions effectively in large classes to involve students.
Questions can be directed at the class in general, to small groups, or to individual students. Students can also be encouraged to ask their own questions - either during the class itself or by submitting questions in advance for discussion in future classes. The interactive lecture uses the questioning principle to allow students to create their own lecture. An initial question is posed and students are encouraged to brainstorm their responses. Instructors need to plan carefully what they want 'discovered' when they use this technique, and must be able to categorize the feedback as it comes in when they write it on the overhead or blackboard.