Freedom High School has witnessed several changes this school year including the introduction of many new classes. Because of these new options in the curriculum, there are many staff and students alike witnessing extreme variations in class sizes. One block, you have a cozy group of four classmates and next you’re scurrying off to a different class with almost 30 students enrolled. Most students can probably relate to this, and if not, consider yourself lucky.
Some find it hard to just switch gears like that, but others enjoy the varying amounts of students. Of course, with every size class there are both benefits and drawbacks, not only for the students but for the teachers as well.
Some of the new English elective classes, like Myths, Legends, and Folklore as well as Creative Writing, are seeing numbers nearing 30 students. Larger class sizes have certain benefits like the potential for large group discussions or multiple smaller group discussions and more diversity interpreted through the assignments and projects.
Performing Arts Teacher, Mrs. Heather Giammaria, said she likes having larger theater classes. “I like to include a lot of students in my theater shows, and with larger class sizes we have more options.” On the downside, teachers tend to see a lot more talking and distractions while some students may feel hidden behind the more vocal students in the class. In the end, it’s up to personal discretion.
These varying class sizes aren’t just affecting the English department though. They’re affecting the Technology Department, Advanced Placement courses and many other classes as well. A few Tech classes such as Web Design and App Land are lucky to accumulate five students and the Advanced Placement Chemistry class is down to just three students. These more personal class sizes allow students and teachers to learn with a more one-on-one experience.
These strange class sizes have to do with the student’s interest in the classes—or lack thereof— as well as scheduling conflicts. With all the changes we experienced last year, I’m sure all of the students and staff here will adapt and make the best of their classes no matter what the size.