Rob,
The text-based chat sessions can be that way. I agree with your evaluation and find that I have had very few sessions with 10 or more, even in my larger classes.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Rodney,
Yes, confirmation of the successes is often as instructionally helpful as correction of the errors.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Is this a synchronous or asynchronous online class? I teach synchronous classes and I think 15-20 students is ideal. There are enough students to create good dialogue and I can keep track and engage the students who are not participating. Presentations and demonstrations in a class this size are effective and manageable.
Subject matter is important to consider as well as the workload of the students. It is very hard for an instructor to make connections with 30 or more students online. The classroom forums become too busy to keep up with individual details that help to make those important connections.
For that reason, I feel 15:1 is optimal, but 20:1 is acceptable.
Matthew,
That seems like a truly optimum number for the academic side of the issue.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
robert,
That is an ideal way to do it. Well stated.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
william,
Many find the same dynamic in their disciplines. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think it depends on the format of the course, but if I may I'd like to address the online chat portion of a course: for me around a 10 to 1 ratio would be ideal. If you figure that a certain percentage of students in a given group will be fairly active and others will be somewhat withdrawn (at least initially), I think this number gives you the optimal blend of student participation, individualized attention to the student from the instructor and minimal confusion from multiple participants "typing over" each other.
I actively instruct at multiple universities, with classes ranging from 1:20 to 1:35. I agree with many of the postings that it is difficult to provide the level of formative feedback necessary.
What is interesting is the need for high quality, timely formative feedback is not just for students that may be struggling. I often find some of the highest performers demand just as much or more feedback as struggling students do.
Rodney
The optimal ratio in my experience is about 10 to 1. I think with 10 students the class is full enough to create a strong group dynamic and allow people to feel comfortable participating in discussions, but small enough to allow smooth moderation and strong relationships.
This is not a simple question and requires the consideration of the type of course and coursework requirements. To find the optimal student-instructor ratio statistical data should be gathered and evaluated to find an optimal level. In my experience it is always better to start with a smaller number of students and slowly adjust it upwards by constantly evaluating the data to see if course outcomes are still being met.
Robert Schuetz
I teach math and I think the best ration would be 20-1. Any more than that makes it difficult to grade papers in a timely manner. I have had 20-1 and 30-1...I can say 30-1 makes a big diffeence in the time required to graded and comment to each student.
Karen,
Excellent rationale. This is very good stuff. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
When I saw this question, I was very intrigued to see what answers would be on the thread...lots of great stuff.
I've been teaching online for eight years and have found, for me, the optimal ratio is no more than 1:20.
Reasons:
1) Quite a few online teachers actually teach more than one section of a course. If they have 30-35 students per section, their time is going to be spread thin, thereby possibly taking away from the student experience.(one-to-one time communicating with students, etc.)
2) With the 1:20 ratio, Discussion Boards and Live Chats are lively and seem to be more manageable. With a larger group, often times the Discussion Boards seem to get lost in a sea of responses. The 1:20 ratio not only seems to enable a lively Discussion Board, but it also helps students to feel more of a sense of class community - they are more apt to get to know other students than they would in a larger ratio setting.
My own experiences dictate that a smaller teacher student ratio has tangible benefits: it will help to increase student retention (students will be happier in class and more likely enroll in more courses), increase the course effectiveness (students and teachers will have more time to go over subject material, able to spend more time communicating with individual students, etc.), and more.
Thanks for any comments or replies!
Karen Bisset
william,
Very good. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I teach math a couple of online schools and the ration is 20:1......I feel this is ideal....If I could get it down to 15:1 then its just more individualized attention for each student.
Grading paper would be very difficult for 30 or more students in a class.
David,
Very true. Good distictions. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Leigh,
The personal touch is not so difficult with the 8 - 12:1. I have had that luxury a few times and the students and I were able to become a very effective learning team. I know a couple of students who finished very strong probably would not have completed the course without the tewam approach. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Heidi,
I look forward to it. Have fun!
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Kelly,
Thank you. Your rationale and numbers make sense.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
