There are so many variables that can affect this scenario, but based on
twenty-some years of practical classroom experience I can tell you what my
"research" has shown.  It is NEVER a good idea to teach a class of 50.  If
you are herding cattle, fine, then do it.  If learning is what you want,
then we can't forget the "human" factor too.  Students need to connect with
their teacher as does the teacher with the student.  Remember, adults vote
with their feet.  If they don't feel the connection and see the value of
their being there, they will not return.  They want to be more than just a
number. I will add that I see a strong "work ethic" overall of most ESOL
learners and they tend to be more dedicated and stay with the program.
Moreover, for a teacher to know, really KNOW, what a student needs
developmentally, class sizes should never reach the level of 50.  Even at
30, I can see the need for a teacher-assistant to help with individual
attention.  A variety of modalities should be incorporated in the
instruction:  formal lessons with large and small groups, one-on-one
tutoring, small groups for specific targeted skills, interactive software
programs, and the opportunity for students to interact and practice what
they are learning.  The opportunity to "mainstream" lower level learners
with higher level learners is also a strategy that not only helps the
teacher, but boosts the self-esteem of the learner who is able to tutor, as
well.
Instructors with an elementary methods background are more adepth at
classroom management of a variety of learner level groups, as elementary
teachers have to do this on a daily basis.  The transference into adult
education is a natural.
This person who touted that a class of 50 could easily be taught---I wonder
if he/she has ever done that.  Some things sound great on paper, especially
if you have never done it.  I also wonder how this person would handle the
one-on-one BEST Plus Tests that need to be administered every 40-60 hours of
instruction.  And not to mention, if papers must be graded.  And oh yes,
let's not forget the data that must be entered on each student.
Hum........anyone want to take bets on whether this person ever taught 50 or
not?  :)
Kathy E. Hodges
Franklin County Workforce Development Consortium Executive Director
70 Wray Street
Rocky Mount, VA  24151
khodges at gamewood.net
540-493-6516
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ronna" <ronna at workplaceesl.com>
To: "'The Workplace Literacy Discussion List'" <workplace at dev.nifl.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2006 4:21 PM
Subject: [Workplace] Optimal number of students in a classroom



> Help me please.... I'm working with this organization that insists that

they

> had an ESL teacher who told them that you can effectively teach 50 people

at

> a time.  I've been teaching workplace ESL and regular ESL for 15 years,

> doing teacher training AND have a masters in TESOL and have never heard

> that.  She really frustrated me, so I need some facts/research about the

> optimal number of students in a low level ESL classroom.  At the

university,

> we never had more than 25.  In the workplace, I never allow more than 30

to

> sign up.

>

> Please help and THANKS!!!!

>

>

> ------------------------------------

> Workplace ESL Solutions

> Ronna Timpa

> Author, Leader & Motivator

> ronna at WorkplaceESL.com

> tel: (702) 873-3520

> fax: (702) 896-5689

> mobile: (702) 812-2161

> ------------------------------------

>

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