Class Size Matters: My Experiences and Observations

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to experience a wide range of class sizes, from the intimate 14-student classrooms in my primary Christian school to the expansive 150-student lecture halls at college. Each environment has its unique advantages and challenges, and my experiences provide insights into the importance of class size in education.

The Smallest Class: 14 Students

My smallest class, which included students from three different grades, had only 14 students. This was during my time at a small Christian school where there were only three classrooms: Grades 1 and 2 were in one classroom, Grades 3 through 5 in another, and Grades 6 through 8 in the third. Despite the classroom holding students of different ages, I loved the environment. The individual attention and the caring atmosphere made the experience quite enjoyable. It was a place where every student could receive personalized support and attention.

The Largest Class: 150 Students in a Lecture Hall

The largest class I ever had was a lecture at college, which held 150 students. This certainly doesn't fit the traditional notion of a class. By the time I was 17, I was well capable of self-discipline and self-directed learning. At this age, a lecture hall with 150 students was ideal. There were few interruptions, making it perfect for focused learning. Spoon-feeding would have stifled my growth and independence, which had already developed by this point.

Proper Class Situations in Schools

Proper class situations in primary or secondary schools typically did not exceed 30 students. The state schools I attended had a maximum of 25 students, while the private schools had a maximum of 30. However, it's important to note that the issue with most state schools is not the number of students, but rather the amount of time teachers spend on disruptive or slow learners.

In state schools, it's common for teachers to spend up to 80% of their time dealing with just 2 or 3 problematic students or slower learners. This often means that the needs of the other 20 well-behaved and capable students are neglected. Private schools, in contrast, had remedial classes for slow learners and could exclude or expel troublemakers. State schools, on the other hand, face prohibitions on excluding students, which can result in a dilution of the overall class quality.

Preferences and Recommendations

For primary and secondary schools, I would prefer classes of 30 students who are all motivated to learn. For special needs students, I believe they should be placed in a dedicated program. This approach ensures that every student can thrive at their own pace and that no one is left behind or bored. This way, everyone can be engaged at their optimal level.

While I certainly benefited from smaller classes, and I would consider home schooling my own children if there were no accessible private Christian schools, the most important factor is individual attention and a supportive learning environment.

Do you have any specific questions about class size or education? I'd be happy to share more of my insights.