Hi Shelia,
SK>-> True that a few students who are consistently discipline problems
SK>-> can make even a small class less manageable, a creative teacher
SK>-> can finds ways to even motivate the unmotivated.
SK> 
SK>Careful here. The teacher probably can make a big difference in most
SK>cases, but I'd be careful about casting the teacher as able to
SK>succeed with motivating all students all the time. The student does
SK>have free will, after all. There are some cases where no matter how
SK>hard the teacher tries, the student is just unreachable. (I
SK>wonder...I know you're currently teaching Kindergarten...what other
SK>levels--if any--have you taught. I work with teenagers and maybe that
SK>makes a difference in this area?)
Good points. Still my statement holds true...since I did not say a 
creative teacher can _always_ find ways.(I try to avoid sounding 
absolute because there always seems to be exceptions)....Yet I truly 
believe that some teachers have a special gift to reach those "hard to 
reach" kids. At the same time I recognize that there will be kids that 
go through the system and no one makes a dent.  I have seen this....the 
free will (stubborn will...anger...pride...even hate.....) gets in the 
way.  
I work mainly with kindergartners and believe me they can be as 
difficult as teens....I also have been a youth worker for about 6 years 
mainly working with middle-school age students.  Perhaps when the 
testosterone sets in, and self-image is all important, it becomes very 
difficult to motivate.  I know that my son does very well in some 
classes (the ones he likes) and not so well in some others (and it's 
usually the ones he doesn't like.   
SK> 
SK>-> The "right mix" is far more important than numbers (in my
SK>-> experience).
And I agree with you fully here as this has been my experience too.  I 
see too that you do consider class size as an important factor.  I am 
under the impression that some don't think limiting class size matters 
much.  That is why I suggest they try 75 kids in one class.....it seems 
ridiculous....the point being what should a manageable classes size look
like? 
SK> 
SK>I think you must've misunderstood my post, or else I didn't
SK>communicate clearly. Class size is VERY important and I don't think
SK>(?) I've ever said otherwise.
SK> 
SK>Personally, I like a class of around 20-25. I've actually had the
SK>pleasure of working with 15-18 on the very rare occasion.
I think 24 is max....and in kindergarten I have had 30.  I have no hair 
on my head as a result....
Dan Triplett
dtriplett@juno.com
--- GEcho 1.11+
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