Size of class affects learning

Re: Overcrowded Rooms; Large classes surged across the province ..., Nov. 17

In the above article, Eugene Kowch makes a number of statements regarding class size and suggests that roaming teams of experts would be better. What he proposes may work for older students, but younger children and those with learning or behavioural difficulties have different learning methods.

The students need to form tight bonds before they trust and are willing to learn from adults. Roaming teams would just be strangers passing through. That single teacher, maybe with aides, might not be an expert in everything, but they are an expert in forming a bond with their students.

For that to occur and see to each student’s needs, classes need to be smaller.

Glenn P. Davies, Calgary