Antonia,
What about the interclass interaction in the discussion boards, etc. Can you get the level of interaction you need with only 10 students? Many find the optimal level to be around 15 or 20:1 to get the interaction they need in discussions.
Herbert Brown III
I think the optimal online student ratio is 10 to 1. Although most classes are larger and manageable, smaller may be better.
With a smaller online environment, an instructor can provide individual attention, especially in discussion forums. With larger classes, sometimes we tend to provide more general instruction.
I do understand the cost advantages to filling up the class. I find that with more experience, instructors adapt to any size class.
I think the optimal online student ratio is 10 to 1. Although most classes are larger and manageable, smaller may be better.
With a smaller online environment, an instructor can provide individual attention, especially in discussion forums. With larger classes, sometimes we tend to provide more general instruction.
I do understand the cost advantages to filling up the class. I find that with more experience, instructors adapt to any size class.
Jerrod,
That's great that you feel you are still able to connect with 25-35 on a personal basis. Many others report their ideal number around 15-20. Do you feel there are other factors that might influence that number, such as the type of content in the course, level of the content, nature of the content, design of the course?
Herbert Brown III
I have taught online classes of over 100 and class as small at 15. I feel that 25-35 are a good size as I can be familiar with each one and still support their needs without being overloaded with grading.
Sandra,
Interesting range. 15-20 is what most people report, so your ratio is very similar. How did you come up with your ratio? What are some of the elements that helped you determine this ratio?
Herbert Brown III
Michael,
Very well put. You are correct it will and can vary greatly depending on MANY variables. Most people report that an ideal for them would be 15-20 students in most courses understanding that their is still a lot of variability.
Herbert Brown III
I believe the ratio should be between 12-24 students for good responses and participation.
Hello Herbert,
I'm not sure there is a definite answer to this question (with the amount of information provided). Perhaps, that is the point, right? =) Give us a fairly open-ended question!
In my humble opinion, I believe this answer mirrors the same question of face-to-face classes. There are many factors that can weigh-in into an appropriate student to instructor ratio. For example, what are the objectives or the intended deliverables for the course? Is the course credit bearing or is it refresher training for a large group of employees?
Presuming that the course is credit bearing, what type of content is presented and what assessments are utilized to document student outcomes? Additionally, is there only one instructor or is the course set up with one of a lecturing instructor and several sections of teaching assistants?
I believe that these are just some examples of the many questions that could factor into determining the appropriate student to instructor ratio. However, the ultimate determiner must be that each student receives the necessary instruction to learn the material and master the course objectives! =)
cheers, mj
Michael,
Do you feel your ratio is a "hard" number or could that ratio vary depending on the course? What factors might influence that difference in ratio?
Herbert Brown III
In a single, 5 week class, provided online, I would say the optimal ratio is 1 instructor to 25 students. This allows enough time throughout the week for the instructor to focus on the students and reply to any technical issues and/or questions about assignments, along with managing grading of assignments.
Christopher,
Your ratio is pretty consistent with what others have reported; however, that can of course vary based on content of the course, design of the course and more.
Herbert Brown III
Good question! I've had online classes with 27 students and I've had online classes with 5 students. For me, 27 is too much for the classes I teach involving complex programming and Web development projects but 5 doesn't really offer a lot of interactivity. I can get to know 5 students pretty quickly and I don't have that much trouble with getting to know 27 students, but at above 20 some start to slip away more easily and may not get the support they need. I would say around 15-18 just because this number of students affords a good amount of student-student and student-instructor inactivity and its sufficient to allow quality instructor support.
Comments?
Chris
Virginia,
I agree with much of what you mention. The student to student interaction is less as well if you have 10 or fewer. Many people report in that same 15-20:1 range is optimal, but even that can seem to differ depending on the structure, design, and content of the course being taught.
Herbert Brown III
Denese,
Your ratio of 20:1 is pretty common for those that have experienced online learning environments. All of the reason you mentioned are true. I also have found that although a 15-20:1 ration might be ideal for most courses, the specifics of the class could tweak that number up or down to be "optimal."
Herbert Brown III
In the last 3 years of experience teaching online classes I have found that best ration is between, 10 to 20
Of the online student mostly 75% will fully participate in discussions. with 10 only 7 will participate. If there are less than 10 students then the discussions boards dwindle and are scarce.
More than 20 becomes an issue of time management for the instructor. How to reach all of them with a fair amount of feed back becomes a challenge.
Virginia
Hello Herbert,
While I have yet to teach as an academic instructor online, I have been a corporate trainer for many years facilitating online and in-person delivery. In addition, my graduate program was fully online. Based on these experiences, I believe the optimal student-instructor ratio would be around 20:1. This classroom size would give the learners ample opportunity to engage in interactive discussion with their classmates as well as the instructor. In addition, 20:1 ratio would allow the instructor time to engage with each learner individually and focus on their classroom experience. If the classroom size is large it could jeopardize the ability for an instructor to connect with each learner - they could easily get 'buried in paperwork' so to speak.
Mike,
Very good point. There is no optimal number without considering all of the factors you identify and more. Your optimal however falls in the 15-20:1 that most people report as their ideal number.
Herbert Brown III
Lucille,
That is an interesting point you make. There is no optimal number; however, many others report the ideal to be around 15-20:1 for most classes. If you don't have any kind of orientation to help acclimate the students to online learning, I see where a beginning course might take on that role.
Herbert Brown III
I think that the number of students per class should be based on the class topic. For example, I'm a graphic design instructor and any class that is based on a Studio Model should not exceed 10 to 15 students. A studio art class is based on reviewing a tremendous number of works created by each student. If I'm teaching Art History on the other hand, then 30 to 35 students would be fine. The reason is that most of the assignments are quizzes, exams and a couple of written papers to review and grade.
