Should class size affect your course objectives?
I have a very small class and the program isn't very big yet. I am wondering what ways class size affects how you present to the class.
I agree that the course objectives should not change, but the delivery may adjust depending on the size of the class. Some of my best classes happen with small sizes. I suspect this is because people are able to connect better with one another and are more receptive to share and receive information.
I am teaching two sections of the same course--one section has 20 students, the other has only five--and I would say that the overall course objectives do not change. However, like what Gary wrote, how you meet those objectives in each individual section certainly vary. What works great in my larger section does not usually work in the smaller section and vice-versa. The smaller section allows for the "seminar" feel, although some students do not respond well to it--they seem to be the students that like to be "under the radar", as the saying goes. So it becomes a challenge to find ways to get these students to fully participate in this smaller setting.
Hi Rich,
I teach my smaller classes in a more of a seminar format. This way I can draw on the experiences of my students more and have increased discussion. This results in some very good exchanges between the students.
Gary
