Increased Class Sizes and it's Effect On Learning

By: Lincoln Puls

October 7, 2024

   With a new year comes a new wave of students entering Colgan. However, this year the class sizes have increased from previous years. Teachers can be seen roaming the halls during the passing period going from their common area to the classrooms they teach in and share with other teachers. With classrooms being filled with 30+ students at times, how do teachers deal with these issues? 

   “I would say the biggest thing now that I’m in a smaller classroom is mobility and getting around to check on every student,” said AP World History teacher Allison Holzgang.  “Giving them more quality time to check [on students and their] understanding can be difficult with the class being larger.” said Holzgang. 

   As of Oct. 1, 2,945 registered students and nearly an additional 300 staff members are at Colgan according to Niche. Ever rising number of students require additional faculty hires. According to WinOcular Job Postings, there are five job openings at Colgan. As a result, availability of elective classes is limited. Art for example has reached its maximum capacity.  

  “Our classes cap out at 30 students, so they’re really not allowed to go over that,” said Lauren Braney, one of Colgan’s art teachers. “We have 7 sections of Art 1, which is the same as last year, but they are all filled.” 

   With the increased class size this year, additional problems like hallway congestion affect the student’s ability to arrive to class on time. Congestion is most notable near the library and counseling hallway. Some students also have longer distances to walk to class, which is impacted by traffic. If students also want to go to the restroom before class, this also takes time away as there are long lines for the restrooms.     

   Although there is no real solution the school can provide to this problem except for increasing the size of the school itself, teachers and students have seemed to deal with this issue the best they can.