Facilitating Big Groups

Ensure the room is big enough to accommodate everyone with our breaking any fire codes. If the room isn't big enough, consider seeing if there is a neighboring room that might be able to be squatted (leave is someone else rightfully has it), so see if there's hallway/other open common area space that may be used. Facilitators will split up to oversee different locations of people.
Have a procedure in place that is communicated AND PRACTICED to get everyone's focus back together. This could be clapping, horns up/mouth shut, shush your neighbor, lights off, etc. but make sure it is communicated at the beginning and before/after any activity so folks know what the symbol is.
Set expectations–we're all here to learn, and that's going to best be done with everyone participating. Keep side conversations to a minimum; share out Eureka's and questions (how--raise hand? when group called upon share out? write it on board?), brains on/be present (put up phones for 1.5 hrs).
1. ask for input on priority of material–as folks come into the room ask them to star or note what parts of the agenda they most want to focus on. When it's start time see which has the most votes and start there
2. communicate the plan–"we're going to start here, spend about x minutes on it, then address this topic/problems for about x time, and then ....At the end we'll reserve 10 minutes for things we've learned reflections and to write out lingering questions we'll ask the prof/TAs about and email out to you when we hear back.
3. Write out an outline of the decided upon plan on the board with approximate timeframe. Reference it as moving along in topics. (this also helps any late comers know where the group is and what they can expect)
Break into small, manageable groups (if possible aim for no more than 5-7 people in a group). Give a specific task, resources, timeframe, and way to report out. Emphasize talking out the thought process, not just the answer.
Work the crowd (facilitators), at least initially to see if groups need anything, encourage them along. If groups seem to be going fine, ask facilitators to assimilate into a quiet group. If groups aren't working together, consider assigning roles–time keeper, 'book'-who looks things up in the book, 'note'-ditto notes, question asker (to ask large and small scale questions), guide (ensuring everyone is moving towards their stated goal)
Accept limitations. Folks are going to be at a lot of different levels. For those who are really far behind, point them towards resources or references or useful tools and encourage them to work on that first (if needed due to cumulative material). In a non-judgemental way, encourage them to start regularly attending study groups so they don't fall behind in the future. It is not facilitators role to hand hold these folks–their time is important too to ensure this is productive study time. For folks who seem to have a firm grasp on the material, try to disperse them into different pockets of people who may be struggling more. Express gratitude towards these folks.
Smile and stay calm. Model peace; stress levels may be high before exams.
Follow through. If there's reasonable time to ask questions to the prof/TA after the session, do so and email out the responses to those who indicated interest (or everyone via Canvas)