smaller class size
Are there any good stratagies for dealing with very small class sizes? I genrally have 5 or less students. Sometimes I feel it puts a lot of pressure on the students. I haven't had too many problems keeping them motivated so far, but if there were any good motivational statagies specifially for smaller class sizes I'm all ears :)
I completely agree that it puts lot of pressure on the students to participate.
I've tried giving an overall semester grade for participation but that doesn't work on it's own. I find that I have to focus on creating a very secure environment. I ask them each a question individually but pose it in a non-threatening and open-ended way. I also respond to each of them with positive feedback and pull something correct from their response to focus on. It takes a little time but the advantages of a small class pay off in the end.
I have recently rotated to a smaller class from a larger one. The dynamics of teaching in a smaller class environment can be less challenging to maintain a high level of enthusiasm. The smaller class provides the students with more individualized attention and interpersonal relationships can be more developed.
Justin, classroom configuration can play a key role in student engagement and participation. The round table and horseshoe configurations yield some great results with respect to participation.
James Jackson
With small classes it helps to make sure everyone is not spread out around the classroom. Bringing tables together to create a larger one for everyone to sit around during lectures seems to facilitate more participation. During critiques of projects it can be difficult to get a fresh perspective with a small class so I always invite other instructors or advanced students to participate.
I agree. The content is easier to understand due to less confusion and turmoil found in a large classroom setting, and the pace of learning is stepped up, which allows the class more lab time, at least in my case.
David, you will gain more and more confidence over time. When you have very short duration courses you may need to use other techniques to build relationships with your students. One suggestion is through a Facebook fan page on yourself and your professional background. This would be developed outside your personal Facebook page but can be useful in helping students to get to know you and others in the classroom.
James Jackson
Denise, what a great concept and one I have seen done well many times. I have also seen where competition can hinder the learning process so it is critical to do the homework and monitor the classroom closely for any signs of risk or lack of progression.
James Jackson
I would love a smaller class size. My classes average 26 students. This is very difficult to manage due to all the learning styles. I find it hard to develope any relationship in the 3 week teach time we have.There are times when I recognize different learning styles, and am able to work with this. These courses have helped me adjust my teaching styles and I find challanges each and every time I close the door to the room.
Competitiveness among the students, done the right way and with an excitement element added can be very beneficial. This tenique works especially well in a small group setting. Students are more apt to joing in when they are in a smaller group. There is also a lot more one-on-one available in this type of setting.
Andrew, I agree totally and it is the relationships that are crucial in the overall learning process.
James Jackson
Michael, one technique you can use to bring forward more diversity in smaller groups is to incorporate the discussion of case studies where the level of diversity can be planned as part of the lesson. Natural discussions would still take place with a strategic introduction of the case studies.
James Jackson
I have had both types of classes and I really prefer the smaller class sizes. I tend to build stronger relationships with the groups that are smaller and I actually still get emails from some of the students of those groups to this day. My suggestion would be to let them get to know each other as much as possible and they almsot automatically start to hold each other accountable. Especially if they are absent a lot, they tend to be like "Hey, we've missed you!"
Smaller classrooms are definitely more beneficial because more one-on-one time can be spent with the student. Also, they feel more secure in smaller class room settings.
The disadvantage is less diverse thinking for discussion. Less differing opinions
I agree with Stacy! And honestly, I really enjoy having smaller class sizes because of the social nature of them. My students open up more quickly to me and the rest of the class and are more comfortable asking questions when they need to.
Hi, Jennifer. I have found that relating the topics to everyday life generally helps. At the point, the class discussions become more social in nature, and seem to keep the students from feeling put on the spot.
