5 Benefits of Smaller Class Sizes in College

Unlike high school, colleges offer a variety of class sizes. You could sit in an auditorium with hundreds of other students, or you might find yourself in a classroom with only 10 to 20 students. Some universities have more of the former, others the latter. Which class size works for you? As you choose a college, be sure to consider the student-to-faculty ratio before you enroll. For many students, a small class size provides benefits that help them succeed.

1. Smaller Classes Provide Individualized Instruction

When there are fewer students in class, you get to know your professors and they get to know you—by name. They can provide you with individualized attention and personalized feedback on your academic performance. They learn your strengths and weaknesses and may be able to anticipate stumbling blocks and provide tools that clarify concepts and solidify lessons. And when they assess your work, they can go in-depth so the next time around you can build from where you are to do better. Fewer students also mean there are fewer papers to grade, so you won’t have to wait weeks for feedback or for your grades. And if you ever need a letter of recommendation for an internship, job, or grad school application, you can turn to a teacher who knows you well and can speak to all your attributes.  

2. Hands-On Assignments in Small Classes

In auditorium-style classes, the instructor tends to lecture and use PowerPoint presentations while you listen and take notes. Every few weeks, you take a quiz or write a paper. But in a smaller class, there’s more opportunity for variety, creativity, and hands-on learning. You’ll be able to participate in group projects and class assignments that make you think critically about the material you learn. Small classes also afford you the opportunity to learn through experience. For example, in a business class you may be asked to write up a business plan for an organization that the instructor imagines, or you might work with a group to come up with a better marketing plan for an actual company. With a smaller class size, you can often be a more active participant in your education.

3. Smaller Classes Give You More Opportunities to be Heard

In large classes, only so many students can speak in a day. There just isn’t enough time for every student to ask and answer questions. You compete for the professor’s attention and if you’re introverted, it can be especially difficult to speak up. On the other hand, in a small class, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, give feedback to others, and share your perspective on a topic. You can’t hide in the shadows. And that’s a good thing. As you express your academic voice, you will also develop confidence and the ability to speak up in public. 

4. Stronger Peer Connections in Small Classes

The people you meet in college can become good friends for life and early connections in your professional network. But making connections isn’t always easy, and it can be especially difficult in a crowd. In smaller classes, though, you can interact with your classmates and chat with your professor before and after class. You’ll get to know your peers and you’ll learn from them as well. When they answer questions in class or share their thoughts in a forum, you’ll gain additional insight into who they are and what you might have in common.

5. Smaller Classes Are Beneficial to Teachers

Teachers can also benefit from smaller class sizes. With fewer students to manage, and fewer assignments to grade at one time, professors feel less frazzled. They’re less likely to experience burnout. Some studies even show that smaller class sizes help prevent teachers from leaving their current positions. 

With small class sizes, you’re more than just a number; you’re in control of your educational journey, getting noticed and appreciated for who you are. At Limestone University, our day classes offer a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Click the button to learn more.

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