When it comes to studying in school, there are many possible classrooms to attend, where classrooms are of different sizes. Specifically, in universities and colleges around Canada, some classes have more students than others due to the max amount of students allowed to sign up. Despite numbers varying, it is fair to say that classrooms that contain a large number of students and a small number of students have their particular advantages.
Small Classes Advantages
1: Students receive more attention from their teachers
In a small classroom, getting the necessary attention from a teacher is vital to learn the skills you need to understand academic topics. If there are any specific questions or concerns that a student may have, it would be more difficult to get an immediate answer from a teacher who has more students due to the number of people focused. However, smaller classes that receive attention from their instructors have their advantages:
- Instructors or teachers can focus on a student’s strengths and weaknesses, harnessing the skills they need.
- They can answer questions faster
- Students have the advantage of asking more specific questions that can help them with their studies
- Receiving attention and help can raise their confidence, helping them in future skills
2: Teachers will have more efficient classes as there will be fewer disruption
Disruptions in a classroom are common and can sometimes be unavoidable. In a smaller classroom, students are less likely to whisper and cause distractions compared to a large classroom, where it is less likely to be called out and told off. This will, fortunately, make classes run more smoothly, as a smaller group of people that the teacher focuses on pays attention to them. It will make the class run efficiently and smoothly, with no sort of interruptions.
3: Assignments are more hands-on in a smaller classroom
In a smaller classroom, hands-on assignments can be an efficient change of pace for students, as sitting down in a stuffy classroom all day can get boring and stale. Students in a small class not only learn from their class but can go outside of the box and learn from experience. Some examples include the following:
- Participate in outdoor and indoor school field trips
- Use technology to excite students to learn, such as Duolingo, Kahoot, etc.
- Ask students to create scripts or plays to help them understand a vital chapter
- Create an art piece that relates to the subject
- Direct students to participate in a class debate on a subject
Creative and fun activities such as the ones above may stand out to students, as some dont involve reading and memorizing facts. Using skills such as creating an art piece, going on a field trip that talks about a subject, or having students participate in a debate encourages students to think outside of the box and forces them to learn to succeed.
Large Class Advantages
1: More students mean a less isolated feeling in a class
In a classroom setting where students are isolated, some students may find themselves feeling lonely, where they are unable to meet new friends or learn from their peers. In a large classroom setting, students can meet new people, learn more from others, and participate in study sessions. Having more people to study with for that difficult upcoming mathematics test is better than studying on your own, as others can ask each other questions.
2: Less likely to be called out by teachers
Participating in lectures is a must in a school environment, but a teacher may inevitably attempt to ask you a question you may not know. This will likely happen in a smaller classroom rather than a larger one. Unfortunately, some teachers believe getting students to participate this way is the best way to get student interaction. However, it can do more harm than good for a student:
- They fear being wrong in a classroom, leading to peers judging them
- Getting called out in a classroom adds unnecessary anxiety for students
- Fear of public speaking should also be considered when asking a student a question they do not know
In this scenario, if a teacher asks a student a question who did not raise their hand, it is best to stay calm, make the best educational guess you can make, and try to participate while you can. Any small amount of participation is better than doing nothing at all.
3: A large classroom often leads to more collaboration
In a large classroom, many people who participate have different ideas. This leads to a classroom being very active with one another and encourages important skills that could be useful outside of school. Some of these vital skills could include the following:
- Encourages oral communication
- Improves a student’s self-esteem when answering questions correctly
- Practices leadership
- Allows students to receive good practice for future employment and social skills
- Teaches a sense of responsibility
Participating in a large classroom also has perks such as the ability to learn better from your peers. Others can find new ways to study together, observe their study habits, and participate in class discussions that that is difficult to achieve on your own. Even if one dislikes speaking in a classroom setting, there is a lot to learn from observing others in a classroom setting.
Overall, What do you think?
It is difficult to establish what classroom environment is the most ideal. It depends on the student and how they best study in a classroom. Regardless, students should always do their best to adapt to the school environment, study hard, and make the best of their education. Study hard, and do your best in school!
