Nullius in Verba Episode 60: Septem Vacae Sacrae II
Jun 6, 2025
Dive into the debate on classroom size and its effects on education quality, questioning if smaller classes really yield better results. Explore the gap between student expectations and faculty interactions, particularly in different classroom settings. The conversation critiques the pressures of academic publishing, emphasizing quality over quantity, and challenges traditional views on scientific contributions. Finally, it addresses the urgent need to rethink publication practices in academia, urging a shift from personal gain to meaningful scholarship.
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Small Class Size Limits
- Small class size advantages plateau beyond around 25-30 students in lectures.
- Evidence shows larger classes (up to 250) don't notably harm classroom instruction effectiveness.
Assess Class Size Feasibility
- Consider cost-benefit analyses when deciding class sizes and teaching formats.
- Smaller, tutor-style classes might not be feasible; political and legal constraints also limit changes.
Irrational Beliefs on Class Size
- Students and faculty hold irrational, exaggerated beliefs that small classes are always better.
- Many student complaints stem from unrealistic expectations about universities offering personal identity or care.