Does class size matter
I normally have 25 to 30 students in a class I think this has a direct relationship in catching them early or at all
Would you also agree that the class of 4 would benefit from more students? Four is a good number for an independent study course, but it's tough to get much energy out of such a small group.
The smallest class I have is 4 and the largest I have is 28. Needless to say the larger class would benifit from smaller numbers because it is in these Intro or first year classes is where the higher incidents of "at-risk" students are present.
I have to agree with this. This term I have one class of 23 students which is nowhere close as challenging as another section of the same class of only 15, but have a lot of attendance issues outside "baggage" among their issues. I would much rather have the larger groups that are working well than the smaller sizes that have more than the usual issues.
Class size does matter! I have had lecture/lab classes as small as eight and as large as twenty-five. The smaller class size lets me focus more one-on-one with students. I get to know each student very well and can see a potential problem in the very beginning. I am able to direct the student to the appropriate school service expediently. Unfortunately, with a larger class sometimes I miss things. Students also get to know each other very well and become like a little family over the course of their program. Often times they provide support in and out of class for each other.
Class size is very important for students to get a good education and for keeping a high retention rate. With a smaller class, the instructor is able to give one on one attention within lab and make each student feel that they are important. This will allow the students to have a greater focus on the topic and less focus on any negative aspect of either the class of school.
Hopefully, there is a faculty member on staff that is proficient on the faculty portal. During teachers meetings, in services, etc., they can hold a train the trainer session. Everyone logs onto their faculty portal and receive hands on technology training using the tools available on the portal. That way every one has the same advantage. Today's students demand the use of technology in the classroom.
How would you introduce these additional tools? Will some faculty need training or even hand holding to be comfortable using the student portal or threaded discussions?
Class size does matter therefore an option should be to make better use of the student portal and threaded discussions. Many students will use this form of communication (especially gen x and gen y.
It is more difficult was a large class, so I find that I must turn up my radar even more. I try to get to know a little bit about each student, and remind them that if they need any help with anything, to please let me know, and I will direct them to the right source.
Gerry, I applaud your comment and could only wish all faculty felt the same. Excellent motivation for me!
Yes, class size matters. If an instructor has a large amount of students in the classroom, it will be very hard for the instructor to detect or notice problems that students are having. Although students don't tell their instructor about their personal life especially life outside the school, it will be easier for the instructor to notice any changes in the students' behavior if the class is smaller. Any class with a large amount of students will always be very hard for the instructor to help the students in academics or with problems that students will encounter while in school.
A normal class size for me is 25 people, smaller would be a lot better. A good class should be about 20 people.
Why? Is there a too small?
larger class size does make thing a bit tougher in more ways than one, I had one student decide to drop out and talk two others into doing the same. i had no idea this was going on until it was to late. a smaller size class i think i would have noticed this and maybe changed at least one students mind.
Class size matters greatly with techanical subjects. dur to the time it take working with the less prepared students.
i agree a smaller class lets you pay more att timewise per student and can catch a student thats having some issues that are affecting them in class
I agree, you can have a large class in a lab situation and it can be extremely hard to manage. On the other hand if you have a large class that does very well with hands on tasks it can seem if you have a small class.They ask less questions and go right to work where as students with good class skills can make a lecture go well but be difficult in lab. Usualy you get a mix so if possible identify who does what well and have the good students assist weaker students in that area. This may make the instructors task of helping everyone easier.
I definitely see a difference in classroom dynamics, attention, and retention correlated to classroom size. The more students that I have, the less detailed attention and focus I am allowed to give the individual which leads to a larger chance of my being able to miss an individual with obstacles that can affect retention.
