http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/may/15/amid-crowds-students-are-left-behind/
As a parent, I would be outraged if my child were in a class any larger than 25, let alone 40! As a teacher, I am outraged that this is even considered common sense. When a child, no matter what age, is in a classroom with less students they receive more individual attention each and every day. Imagine yourself, how likely are you to participate in a class with 35 other people? Most readers would feel uncomfortable doing so. But in a small class, which has been able to quickly establish a community-feel, children and adults are more likely to actively participate. Consider your college classes. In the smaller classes I felt a sense of community because I knew everyone and had more opportunity to interact. Whereas in the large lecture classes the professor was typically the only speaker in the room. I remember very little about the lecture classes. Smaller class sizes make sense. The teacher is able to be facilitator as students interactively engage with each other through discussion and hands-on activities.
I have found the children and families I work with tend to be louder and more outspoken, often interrupting their teachers. This is typically the case because of culture. Of course, when a teacher establishes the values and norms, this is less of an issue. Still, that takes time and consistency throughout the entire year, whereas the other side of the spectrum may not require that extra focus and time. So, if you have a room full of quiet children who will listen to the teacher all day because there is not room to move beyond the desks, then 40 students per class is an option. But if you recognize that each individual child deserves 1-on-1 daily attention to their individual needs, then 20 students or less is the option.
As a parent, I would be outraged if my child were in a class any larger than 25, let alone 40! As a teacher, I am outraged that this is even considered common sense. When a child, no matter what age, is in a classroom with less students they receive more individual attention each and every day. Imagine yourself, how likely are you to participate in a class with 35 other people? Most readers would feel uncomfortable doing so. But in a small class, which has been able to quickly establish a community-feel, children and adults are more likely to actively participate. Consider your college classes. In the smaller classes I felt a sense of community because I knew everyone and had more opportunity to interact. Whereas in the large lecture classes the professor was typically the only speaker in the room. I remember very little about the lecture classes. Smaller class sizes make sense. The teacher is able to be facilitator as students interactively engage with each other through discussion and hands-on activities.
I have found the children and families I work with tend to be louder and more outspoken, often interrupting their teachers. This is typically the case because of culture. Of course, when a teacher establishes the values and norms, this is less of an issue. Still, that takes time and consistency throughout the entire year, whereas the other side of the spectrum may not require that extra focus and time. So, if you have a room full of quiet children who will listen to the teacher all day because there is not room to move beyond the desks, then 40 students per class is an option. But if you recognize that each individual child deserves 1-on-1 daily attention to their individual needs, then 20 students or less is the option.
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