|
11/27/2006
A recent pair of articles from the Chicago Sun-Times addresses how class size may impact learning for elementary school students.
A November 24, 2006 article highlights some of the advantages found in smaller classrooms. Teachers are better able to interact with individuals on a one-on-one basis, and can gauge whether students are understanding the lessons. Research seems to indicate that smaller classes are of most benefit to the youngest students, who are still in the process of learning how to learn. Many parents prefer that their children be part of a small class.
According to a November 26, 2006 article, students in larger classrooms can be successful when teachers and parents work together to address challenges. Larger classes are sometimes accommodated by additional part-time teachers, or parents who volunteer during the day. In the Chicago public school system, the highest scoring elementary schools are those with average classroom sizes that are larger than their suburban counterparts.
|
