Dead Ideas in Teaching and Learning 880 Eyeballs: Mastering Active Learning in Large Classes with Justin Shaffer
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Sep 25, 2025 
In this enlightening discussion, Justin Shaffer, Associate Dean and Teaching Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, tackles the challenge of active learning in large lecture halls. He emphasizes the power of structured course design to engage hundreds of students. Topics include effective assessment techniques and practical classroom activities that inspire deeper learning. Justin also introduces tools like the Decibel Analysis Research Tool to measure engagement and shares strategies such as think-pair-share and polling, highlighting how small changes can create a significant impact.
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Facing The 880 Eyeballs
- Justin recalls teaching 440 students and feeling intimidated by "880 eyeballs."
- He describes visible shaking early in his large-class teaching experience to illustrate the fear of scale.
Train And Tailor Your Approach
- Get formal training in evidence-based teaching and follow the data on active learning.
- Adapt active-learning techniques to your personality so you can use them reliably in large classes.
Teaching Style Shapes Active Learning
- Justin contrasts his walking facilitation style with a colleague who sits and engages students directly.
- He explains choosing activities that match personality to avoid social anxiety in-class interactions.
