MB>I keep seeing references to class size.
MB>And lord help us if the class size is near 30!
MB>I guess I have a different take on this.
MB>From my own experience in the classroom, I have found that
MB>the correlation between class size and teaching effectiveness
MB>is not nearly as strong as generally accepted.
The acceptable body of educational research would disagree with you but 
I think you may mean class size depends on class mix.  I agree with 
that.
MB>As far as I'm concerned, it's the chemistry that counts.
MB>Give me the right group of kids, and I'll have great results
MB>with 50 in the classroom.
Yes...but you qualify it with the "right group" and in education there 
is no guarantee of a right group.  I have two 
classrooms...kindergarten...one clicks (28 in that one) and the other 
clacks  (23 in that class).  I have more difficulty with my 
smaller class than the larger.  (which tends to support your above claim 
regarding class size).
Yet, generally, there is an easier time for management with fewer 
numbers. Teachers can get to more students and work one-on-one with 
fewer numbers.  Also, with higher numbers in the classroom, the changes 
of getting a difficult child (or 2 or 3) increases.  I think the 
research shows 18 students is ideal for maximum learning. 
MB>I have had classes of 15-20 kids that just didn't click.
MB>We just didn't have the right "mix".
MB>I've had classes of over 30 that were delightful.
MB>Now, there still is a correlation, especially for lower track
MB>classes. These classes tend to have students with shorter attention
MB>spans who need more individual attention. Admittedly, as that class
MB>size increases, you get a much higher probability of that good
MB>"chemistry" deteriorating!
I agree with your conclusion here.  And the fact is, we seem to be 
getting more and more students with less and less abilities in the area 
of attending skills and behavior management.  I have kids that hit other 
kids frequently and are very difficult in the classroom.  They destroy 
things, call names, argue and are frequently off task (and in 
kindergarten!! augh......)
Summer is coming and Im taking a few classes...take care....dt  
MB>Any thoughts?
MB>Mel
MB> 
MB>(I teach high school math at H.H. Dow High School in Midland, Mich).
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