Home > First Hand > Class size – and great instructors

Class size – and great instructors

April 28th, 2010

How many of us can look back and think that we may not have attained our actual potential in life? What if we’d done better in school? What if we’d gone to a better university or college?

The prevalent approach in our present-day government schools has created a culture in which 16-year-olds are deciding they are not likely to go to college. They think that the material will likely be too demanding. They suppose they do not possess the required abilities. They lack confidence in their own ability to learn and grow in an academic environment. They aren’t qualified to make the right choices!

A great deal continues to be said concerning the importance of small class size and individual attention in our schools. But small class size is just the beginning. Outstanding high schools have not primarily smaller classes, which permit far more individual attention–they have highly qualified teachers who teach more challenging material.

AP courses, established by the College Board, have been around for half a century. They are certified college-level courses that are taught in high schools. Their popularity has increased over the years, and they have emerged as an essential component of the high school portfolio for anyone hoping to apply to a four year university or college. The majority of parents feel that these classes together with their substantial expectations place an excessive amount of pressure on children, still in high school. But that’s not how it was intended to be.

If approached the correct way, these courses can in fact be an excellent opportunity. The downside is the fact that a large percentage of high schools that provide these courses still pack 20 to 30 students into each class. So rather than being a good opportunity, most students only struggle with the work. On the other hand, in cases where these classes are taught by seasoned teachers in smaller classes – classes with only eight to ten students per teacher, each individual student receives the opportunity to be successful in a college level course.

A taste of this success is oftentimes all it takes to turn a student’s life around. Students at the very best private high schools, such as Cambrian International Academy, have mentioned in many cases that the first class made them feel as if they could accomplish anything. They take more of these classes in subsequent years, and then find themselves accepted to top notch universities in advanced standing. The AP credit transfers, and they start college as sophomores!

Right now, 16-year-olds have far more reason to make an informed decision about college. Parents need to start by making the right choices in high school.

Related posts:

  1. Chemistry can be a exceptionally complicated and chemistry teacher can really develop a grasp of the subject Knowledge has become in reality very simple. Chemistry is a...
  2. Private Student Loans Are you looking for private student loans? Just about all...
  3. Grab the Future With Graduate School Graduate school is the next progression in the academic learning...
  4. Car Insurance Loans Looking for free car insurance or car insurance reviews? Every...
  5. Student loans nightmares How many students apply for a student loan without really considering...

Mitch First Hand

Comments are closed.