Misconception: Smaller class sizes would help teachers address the needs of each student (Removed from master list)

While looking through my list of misconceptions regarding the schooling process, I discovered two entries that could be considered duplicates. I have decided to remove this misconception, which was also covered by Misconception #85. I have not deleted this post, but the numbering has been reclaimed. Misconception #35 will now be used for a different post.

Schools have all sorts of standards, requirements, and expectations that completely ignore individuality. While a low student-teacher ratio can make things sound more individualized, it’s not effective. Classes generally have syllabuses and books that are determined before the students and teachers meet. Expectations are also established with absolutely no consideration of individual needs.

With how schools work, 1:1 student-teacher ratios would still fail to address individuality. The infinite learning styles of students are highly variable. Unless a curriculum is built entirely around an individual, that individual’s needs will not be met.

There’s a bit of a quirk to all of this. While low student-teacher ratios do not improve the ability to meet individual needs, it may be possible to manipulate individuals better with these lower ratios. Instead of adapting their teaching styles to meet as many learning styles of their students as possible (which is always 0), they try to change the students to fit their teaching style. In recent years, some students have even been medicated to better fit their teachers demands.

If you have a class of 30 students, you will have 30 students without their needs being met. If you have two classes of 15 students each, you will have 30 students without their needs being met. Personally, I don’t want to pay more unless we can get worthwhile results.