The critical teacher versus students ratio when researching Universities
High school seniors across Canada are beginning to prepare for life after graduation. With a myriad of activities, from prom to graduation parties, the end of the year can become hectic and a bit overwhelming. With all the planning that goes into making sure the end of the year is memorable, it is just as important to focus on what will transpire after graduation. For many, this means heading off to a University to continue their education.
An enormous amount of energy goes into planning for the senior prom as well as the events that will take place on the day of graduation. Just as important, is taking the time to research the various University options available to students. Deciding where to continue an education isn’t a choice that should be entered into lightly. There are a number of factors that must be examined in order to make an informed decision. For many future University students, their final decision is often base on such factors as what majors are offered, where the University is located, as well as what the University can offer in the form of sports, extra curricular activities, and campus life in general. While these are all important factors that should be considered, one detail that is often overlooked is the average size of the classes at the University.
University class sizes, come in one of two forms, large lecture course held in University auditoriums and small, intimate discussion oriented classes where the teacher/student ration is manageable. For many students, larger class sizes prove to be a disadvantage to their ability learning to receive the quality education they are paying for. While large classes give the sense of autonomy, it is this exact issue that has proven detrimental to the education received.
Larger class sizes, tend to lend themselves to a general sense of frustration, as students are unable to have their questions answered at the time of the class, and often times have trouble scheduling a time to meet with the instructor outside the designated time of class. When a student is able to schedule an appointment with the instructor, they often times find themselves hurried and unable to get the in depth answer they are looking for. Larger class sizes, after the first few weeks of a semester, turn into nothing more than a mass of students getting a less-than-expected quality of education.
For students to enjoy the experience and feel they have succeeded, the attention they receive from their professor is very important. With larger class sizes, this is almost an impossible feat to achieve. Rather than having a more intimate and in depth discussion with the instructor and fellow student, larger classes tend to take on the roll of lecture oriented course where the students have no choice but to sit quietly and absorb what information they can. They rarely have the chance to ask questions, or express an alternative opinion on the subject.
Students that are able to enroll in courses that have a relatively small teacher/student ratio, tend to have a more fulfilling experience, and often times receive higher marks. Universities that offer courses with smaller teacher to student ratios not only benefit the student through the more personalized instruction they receive, but they also acquire interpersonal skills through their close contact with fellow students. With smaller classes, students are allowed to get the quality education they deserve.
As students prepare for the end of the year and move into the next stage of their life, it is important to thoroughly research and plan for their next adventure. There are so many factors that must be looked at before making the all-important decision of what University to attend. With high expectations regarding the desired education to be received, every aspect of the University needs to be considered.