Tebben Lopez/The Mirror
When choosing a college, one of the first considerations is whether to go to a private or public school. By choosing a private school like Fairfield, students understand that they will be paying a higher tuition in exchange for certain benefits, some of which are smaller class sizes and closer relationships with professors. The most basic of these benefits should be having a desk to sit at while in class.
Fairfield University’s student-to-faculty ratio is currently 12 to 1. In most classes, students are able to participate in class and speak one-on-one with professors. However, some classes enroll more students than classrooms can accommodate and, in doing so, adversely affect the student-teacher ratio. With Fairfield’s annual tuition exceeding $50,000, students expect an available seat in the classroom and do not anticipate having to worry about being in class ten minutes early or risk not having a desk to write on; this, however, is not always the case. I would like for the material being taught in the class to be my greatest challenge, whereas securing a seat and interacting with professors would be a given.
Because of the high demand for certain core classes, many classes contain over 30 students. While this class size is small compared to most public universities, not all of the classrooms at Fairfield are built for over 30 students. Desks are crammed together, making for less-than-ideal situations, not to mention a fire hazard.
In addition, with the number of enrolled students reaching into the mid-30s, students are not guaranteed the same amount of attention that they would receive if fewer students were in the class. This problem can create setbacks, especially in core classes. Core classes, which by definition are mandatory, may be more difficult for students to master because they do not necessarily reflect students’ interests. This difficulty can be compounded by the negative aspects of larger class sizes. If students cannot gain the confidence to pursue their academic career in the first few semesters of college, they may be more prone to losing their drive and determination to make it through the core classes and be able to succeed in the field they are truly interested in.
Many professors assign grades based on participation. When class sizes reach a certain point, it becomes difficult for quieter students to assert themselves and get credit for speaking. If the class becomes too large, it is easier for a small group of outgoing students to takeover and dominate class discussions. It is easier for students to become intimidated with larger classes, keeping in mind that they chose a smaller institution to avoid this very problem. Small classes create a community environment for students.
Studies show that students that sit in the front of the classroom receive better grades. With larger classes, it is more likely for students to be placed further back or to not have the opportunity to sit in the front. Furthermore, as class size exceeds 20 students, the quality of learning is hindered.
As a student at Fairfield University, I am determined to learn all that I can and take advantage of all the opportunities the university has to offer. Larger classes hinder this effort. The number of students permitted in a class should be more strictly limited. In addition, because of the high demand for certain classes, there should be more sections offered to accommodate students and maximize learning. Fairfield University provides the necessary tools for success, but the distribution of these tools should be more carefully monitored to allow for a higher outcome of success.
Leave a Reply