Education Questions and Answers

Class Size

A class of 20 students provides better learning opportunities than a class of 35 students. The smaller the class size, the more resources the teachers would have available for the students inside the classroom. For example, lined papers, scissors, pencils or any other materials that would help the students complete their assignments. The smaller the class size, the less likely the students would cause trouble with one another or disrupt lessons in the classroom. Teachers that do not have to worry about class disruptions have more time to focus on teaching their students and providing additional help. The smaller the class size, the more time teachers have to focus on individual student. Teachers inside a small classroom have more control as well due to the lack of interruptions.

A study exploring the relationship between off-task student behavior and teacher attention shows that student who received low levels of teacher attention showed more off-task behavior (Simonsen, 2010). Therefore, in a class of 20 students, students have higher chances of receiving high levels of teacher attention than a class of 35 students. High levels of teacher attention not only enhance the students’ on-task behavior but their learning efforts as well. Student success usually results from smaller class size due to their determination to achieve teacher expectations. Student-teacher relationships could be form and eliminate any feelings of negligence that students may feel in large classes. Once a bond has been form between teachers and students, students are more likely to ask for assistance and participate in classroom discussions. They would not feel overwhelm by the number of students and the various views that other students have which differs from theirs. As a result, their participations would promote social and mental development crucial to their learning. They would also develop emotionally when they receive high levels of teacher attention and concern.

Physical Education Requirement

The requirement of some form of physical education or activities should depend on the level of education the students are in. If the students are in elementary or middle school, physical activities should be a requirement. Students in these stages are still growing and developing. Thus, the more physical activities they receive that can enhance their development, the more advantageous it is for them. Physical activities not only keep the students healthy, but it helps stimulate their brain activity. For elementary students, physical activities allow them to release all the extra energy that they have in order to focus on more restrained activities such as reading and math.