Always On: Supporting Students in Extra-Large Modules

In part 7 of this series on teaching at scale the focus is on student support. When 500+ students are relying on you, student support needs to be proactive, streamlined, and scalable.

In a module of 30 students, you might answer questions informally after class. In a module of 500+, even one unclear announcement can lead to hundreds of emails. That’s why student support for extra-large cohorts must be designed differently – focused on clarity, visibility and proactive communication.

Here’s how educators at Exeter have approached scalable support in modules that reach across programmes and faculties.

1. Make Communication Proactive, Not Reactive

Waiting for questions to arise is a fast route to inbox overload. Instead, anticipate likely pain points and address them early through:

·       Weekly bulletins summarising what’s coming up and how it connects to the assessment

·       Detailed FAQs for common queries, especially around assignments and deadlines

·       Clear ELE layout with everything signposted and in one place

One key tip: email using your internal student record system (in batches if needed) or typing in email recipient line the module code which brings up the cohort mailing list, rather than relying on forum posts or VLE announcements alone. Students miss notifications easily, direct email works best.

2. Centralise Questions with a Live Q&A Forum

Set up a Teams channel or discussion board where students can post queries and auto-subscribe everyone. This way:

·       You only answer each question once

·       Students benefit from seeing others’ queries and your responses

·       FAQs grow organically over time

Encourage students to check the forum before emailing – and refer them back to it when needed.

3. Build Support Into Workshops

Workshops are not just for learning – they’re also key touchpoints for support. Reserve time at the end of sessions for:

·       Group Q&A

·       1:1 clarification on assessments

·       Informal check-ins with struggling students

Framing workshops as support opportunities helps reduce pressure on office hours and fosters stronger tutor-student relationships.

4. Support the Staff, Too

If you’re using adjuncts or PTAs to teach and mark, make sure they’re equipped to support students. This might include:

·       Briefing them on key content and assignment expectations

·       Encouraging them to hold structured office hours, with rooms booked in advance

·       Creating a shared folder of support resources they can use and direct students to

Adjuncts are often the first point of contact – supporting them helps support the whole cohort.

5. Use Clinics and Reflection to Deepen Learning

Assessment clinics and “ask us anything” sessions can be invaluable. Run them online or in person to provide clarity ahead of deadlines. Pair these with reflective prompts that encourage students to:

·       Self-check their understanding

·       Articulate what they’ve learned

·       Plan next steps

Even a short reflection task can help students feel more confident and supported.

For more information please contact: