Korean Job Discussion Forums

ontheway · Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 8:26 am Post subject: What is the ideal class size?

Over a period of many years I've taught many class sizes: at hogwans, every size from 1 student 2,3,4 ... to 25 and up to 95 for a university conversation class. I have my own ideas about the ideal class. 1 student is too small for many reasons and past 20 is just nuts.

But, I want to hear what everyone else thinks. So ....

What would be your ideal class size and why?

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

My favorite classes are the smaller ones, usually. One-on-one is a little too intimate and uncomfortable, but 3-5 is a nice number. Fifteen or more starts to become a challenge, especially trying to keep everyone focused and on the same page.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

For me, the ideal number of students is around 10. With 8-12 you always have pairs and it's large enough for a variety of activities with a variety of partners.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 1:03 pm Post subject:

Zero.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

6. Work in pairs or small groups. ANd I can ALMOST listen to six kids talking at the same time.

ulsanchris · Joined: 19 Jun 2003 Location: take a wild guess

i would go with 6 students to. Not too big not too small, just right. Unfortunately my classes are limited to a maximum of 4. I guess I will just have to make do.

pegpig · Joined: 10 May 2005

Gotta agree with the cucumber girl. 6. They all have a pretty good chance to talk and you can break them into 2s or 3s for conversation and games. Plus, less chance of all hell breaking loose. I have one group of 6 (now 5 Crying or Very sad

)that is almost the perfect class. There is one little trouble making devil that in a large class would be too much to handle. Here he's somewhat tolerable.

Zero is also good provided you're still getting paid.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Speaking of ideal class size, our vice director just keeps packin 'em in so that we don't even have enough seating in our classes. The concept of making a waiting list is obviously out of the question, so my classes are gradually becoming bigger and less effective for the students. Sigh.

Dan The Chainsawman · Joined: 05 May 2005

6 for learning

1 for just wanting to goof off and go to the corner store for ice cream.

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

12, 16 or 18. Even number classes are good. 12 is best and 18 is the maximum.

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Ideal class size? Me alone. But if I must have students: 5-8.

deessell · Joined: 08 Jun 2005

TECO · Joined: 20 Jan 2003

9 - 12 Ss are perfect.

1x1 are draining.
I avoid 1x1 at any costs - that's one reason why I don't do any privates.

No likey.

keithinkorea · Joined: 17 Mar 2004

8 is ideal, though my favourite class has only four, those kids are amazing though with almost better English than Korean! I love em to bits. 8 is good for pair work, they don't feel under too much pressure, it's a good number for team games. It's easy to keep a close eye on what they're doing and marking their homework or workbooks is easy.