UNI 110 Language and Literature Building 12 Small Class

Small Class: UNI 110 LL 12

      The small class environment is very different than large classes, online classes and hybrid classes. It is impossible to hide in a small class. The teacher knows who all the students are and the students know each others names. Small classes fit the criteria for everything and is a good learning environment. 

       Small classes fit the criteria because class participation is not only encouraged but demanded (Jones, page 59). The teacher requires students to discuss their position and will lose points if they do not. Activities that involve public speaking are also common in small classes. Activities that involve public speaking help students develop the ability to debate issues aloud. The student must be able to support their claims in a small class (Jones, page 62).

Small classes fit the criteria of students knowing their teacher. In small classes, the teacher is able learn about the student’s personality, attitudes and thought process (Jacobson, page 61). The teacher knows what the student enjoys and what type of learning he enjoys (Jacobson, page 55). Students hate when teachers cannot answer their questions (Jacobson, page 59). In small classes, the teacher can answer all of the students questions. In small classes, the teacher knows when a student is missing. The teacher can develop a relationship if he sends an email asking the student why he or she is absent (Jacobson, page 64). Many students that enter college are not prepared and are not motivated to learn because of past experiences (Jacobson, page 55). In small classes, the teacher can use different methods for students that learn differently (Jacobson, page 55). Students learn in different ways, whether visually, verbally or kinesthetically. Teachers in small classes are able to connect with the diverse student population. Colleges cannot afford to lose students who excel in things like art or possess unique skills (Jacobson, page 50). The student knows what to expect from the teacher and knows that the teacher will know if he misses work. In a small class, the students can see the professor on a more personal level rather than listening to the teacher speak for an hour. The student is able to see that the teacher wants the student to succeed (Jacobson, page 65). The student can ask questions to the teacher that can be serious or something about his college experience. In a large lecture hall, a question about the professor’s college life would seem out of place. 

Small classes fit the criteria of issues being debated. Small classes debate important issues in society and help students become critical thinkers (Carleton, page 703). In a small class, the lesson is not as concrete as a large lecture hall and can change depending on how the students are handling the material since there is a small number. The teacher can answer the students questions while also bringing up debates (Carleton, page 703). The students can talk about debates and all of the students can make their voice heard. 

Small classes also fit the criteria of students developing relationships because the group is small. The students will usually participate in group activities that will let them discuss and debate issues. Students are likely to build friendships because of all of the discussion based activities that help students get to know each other. Small classes enable group work because students understand one another better than a teacher would (Jacobson, page 60). Group work is informal and foreign students can speak their native tongue if they do not understand something.

[John Kluepfel]

[John Kluepfel]