Larger Class Sizes Cause Problems
By Emma Zink (DHS Student)
As many students have realized, class sizes have grown this year primarily because many teachers were laid off last year. Some students wonder if this is affecting their ability to learn.
Last year, 11 teachers were laid off. Students are noticing classes are different, and for some it is making a bigger difference than others.
Math teacher Dan Zalbowits said, “It is difficult to get around to everyone and help them.” His classes have been full all year.
The teachers are having a harder time getting classes started quickly and quietly. It takes much longer for 30 students to be ready to learn than the previous 18 student. This is especially difficult in science classes when students need to perform labs.
“it is affecting the ability to do labs and activities…for example, if you have three student instead of two student (in a group) somebody always, kind of, gets left out,” said chemistry teacher Jennifer Dvorak.
There is limited space to do labs, especially with flames and dangerous chemicals around; many people are crowded into a small space.
“In core classes I think it is harder to get individual help. Overall, I don’t like the feeling of having so many people in my classes,” said Sophomore Erin Edbloom. Many other students feel the same: uncomfortable in the classes.
Though some student are having trouble answering question in from of so many people, getting individual help or jest feeling like too many people are watching them, there are some student who like it better. The feel more comfortable sharing their ideas with many people around them. The way people feel tends to change with every class depending on the need of teacher help or student brainstorming.
Former Animas High student and Freshman Chloe Mouret said, “I learn better [in large classes]. There are a bunch of different ideas to get my mind going better. Animas High has about 12-15 students per class.
Photo with the caption: Every desk is full in Matthew Hoaglin’s Freshman math class. Larger class sizes make it difficult for students to get the one-on-one attention they may need. Teachers also have to deal with more interruptions and greater trouble focusing all the students.
