Masuk Free Press

There’s a lot of classes at Masuk. Core courses, such as English, math, or science typically have large amounts of students in attendance. However, there are also niche classes that very few people take. Many schools have tried reducing class sizes and have seen success previously. But does it actually benefit students in Masuk, and what do teachers think of smaller classes? Moreover, what do other sources say about the advantages and disadvantages emerging from these small classes?

The School Superintendents Association states that smaller classes “obtain higher test scores; participate more in school; demonstrate improved behavior; and retain many benefits of early class-size reductions in their later years of schooling.” 

Many schools have tried reducing class sizes and have seen success previously. But does it actually benefit students in Masuk, and what do teachers think of smaller classes?

It should be noted that students at Masuk do not get to choose their class size. It is completely out of the student’s hands whether or not their class will have 20 people, as opposed to 10 or eight. However, when it does happen, students have varied opinions. 

“Some small classes are nice because they are quieter and you can get your work done easier,” said sophomore Reilly Lippert. “I think I would benefit greatly from the smaller classes. It’s a lot more hands on.” 

Another sophomore, Marco Lucca, had conflict with this opinion. 

“I’d rather have a larger class. There would be so many more people, more opportunities to talk to your friends, and more opportunities to get help,” said Lucca.

Aiden Cronk holds a more neutral opinion: 

“It depends. Sometimes, I like having people in the classroom. It can be my friends, people I enjoy spending time with. But, honestly, if there’s a bunch of annoying people that I don’t like, I would like a smaller class, because I appreciate being able to pay attention without all the noise and blabber going on,”

Overall, students are at odds about small classes. Students seem to not be able to agree on the pros and cons of small classes. Having said that, teachers also had some opinions to share. 

“Usually small classes are very quiet. Compared to the big classes, students are less likely to ask questions,” said Jennifer Nyquist, a chemistry teacher at Masuk with a small class of seven people. “The good thing about a small class is that you can actually get around to every single kid and give them immediate feedback on what they’re doing. One year, I had a class of five, and I was like, oh, this is not gonna work. But those kids were all friends with each other, and that was a fun class.” 

Students at Masuk claim that small classes would be better with friends, and teachers claimed that they saw more benefit in smaller classes when friends were present. Jon Badolato, a math teacher, shared his thoughts as well. 

 “I mean, from a group work standpoint, sure. When you’re friends and when you’re familiar with someone, you’re more willing to probably work with them in a group. The key point there, though, is that, I guess it’s the teacher’s responsibility to make sure that they are actually working.” 

“I mean, on occasion, there might be. Smaller classes may be more conducive to group work. So, with a smaller class or smaller groups, sometimes you can avoid [changing the teaching method]. But in general, I mean, teaching style, no, I probably wouldn’t change my teaching style for the most part,” said Badolato.

To round up the thoughts shared by students and faculty, some conclusions can be made. Teachers enjoy small classes. It allows them to reach students easier, assist with problem solving, but may also have adverse side effects such as shy students or loss of group work. However, students are very conflicted. Some find large classes to fit their learning style more, while others may find smaller classes to be easier for them.