Educators Want Smaller Class Sizes

As government spending on the education system has difficulty keeping up with the demands the most common occurrence is the trend towards larger classroom sizes. This has created some serious battles between governments and teachers. Teachers know the benefits of smaller class sizes and are demanding government agencies address the current problems.

Just recently the British Columbia teachers and their union stood up against their provincial government demanding smaller class sizes for the benefits of their students. They were so concerned about class room sizes that they chose to strike illegally in an attempt to better the situation for students.

There is no question about the benefits of smaller classes several studies have concluded a wealth of benefits for the children some of which we’ll address in this article.

Research has shown that when class room sizes are reduced in the earlier grades the students achieve higher. Studies indicate the optimum class size is 15 to 20 students. Currently we are seeing class sizes in excess of 35 students through out public school systems.

Smaller class sizes alter the dynamics of the class and the learning environment. The smaller the class the more time the teacher is able to spend with each individual student. When class sizes are smaller teachers have the time to help those having trouble catch up.

Special needs children are not integrated into the regular classroom and they should be. The problem is that they are not getting the additional help they need because funding for assistants has been cut. This also creates overall classroom problems because educators need to spend extra time with these children and then the rest of the class isn’t getting the instruction they require.

But there’s more to it. Smaller class sizes result in more class room space. Students have more room; the effects of overcrowding aren’t felt. Teachers are better able to break students into groups to work on projects. The overall atmosphere is just plain better! And when the atmosphere is better the learning conditions are better and student excel.

Studies have also shown that the quality of teaching increases in smaller classes. The teachers better know their student individually because they have more time to get to know them. They are better able to keep tabs on students and spot learning problems because they know the student much better.

Smaller class rooms are also socially healthier for the children. They are able to develop better peer relationships; they are more likely to become engaged in learning activities because it’s harder to disappear into the wood work in a small class. The socialization skills of younger children are dramatically improved when their class room size is reduced.

Small class sizes also allow educators to be proactive rather than reactive. Because the teacher has fewer student he or she is better able to stop learning, developmental, and social problems before they occur, rather than reacting after they occur.

Understandably governments are hesitant to reduce classes to 20 or less after all based on the average class size now that would mean they would require twice as many teachers, classrooms, and schools. The cost would be astronomical. But then aren’t our kids worth it? And are there not other ways to improve the class size without breaking the bank?

Perhaps it’s time for a whole new approach to education. Perhaps the time has come for educators, school boards, and government officials to sit down at a round table and begin to brainstorm. Sadly this seems to be next to impossible to make happen.

It’s amazing how such a large group of highly educated folks can’t put their heads together and come up with solutions that would at least reduce the class sizes to a reasonable level.

Whether you are a parent with children in the school system, a grandparent, or have no children at all the time has come for you to become actively involved in pushing governments for change. These children are the future of our countries and where will we be if they do not receive adequate educations. There are good reasons educators want smaller class sizes and it’s time the public stood behind them and demanded their governments address these issues and work towards a solution.

Aura Mirchandani is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory.