kinglin

For the most part, everyone of my classes will be in a lecture hall. Does a lecture hall make it harder to learn as opposed to a small class of 20 students?

misterme2009

Depends on the person really. The general consensus seems to be that small classes where the professor knows everyones' name is the most intimate learning environment, and I agree, but there are definitely exceptions.

Pearlinthemist

I personally liked the big large lower division classes because generally a large percentage of the people would help bring down the mean & almost guarantee me an A for doing above average.

boysx3

Try to sit in the first few rows of a large lecture hall--you won't be as aware of the size of the class that way. It's much easier to pay attention as well.

equine99

personally I'd take a 10 person class anyday, any subject, over a 100+ person lecture. My biggest word of advice would be to make yourself standout in some way--ask your prof a question after class, or go into office hours to even ask about something simple like a due date or something--you want them to know who you are [in a good way] because you know that no matter what the subject, the teacher's opinion of you will play into your grade (usually if they like you it helps because they give you the benefit of the doubt, and are more likely to give you extensions or believe you if you hand in something late, if they dislike you, I don't think it wil hurt you too much, but they simply won't be as nice/helpful).

So yeah, get to know the prof a bit so they have a face to go with a name.

AUlostchick

Honestly, I liked these better than smaller classes. I'm not really one for answering in class all the time which you do in smaller classes (less than 40). I don't really talk to my professors anyway, whether small class or big, so that doesn't really matter. The only problem is you might not get to know anyone in the class; I knew a girl through an organization I do, and didn't know until finals week that we had a history class together. However, a plus is that teachers almost always use powerpoints to do notes, so you don't have to worry about reading their more-than-likely atrocious handwriting.

mikemac

put it this way: when the publics with the large lecture classes try to attract top students with an honors college, what is one of the selling points? Small classes.

Jahaba

That's usually a filthy lie though.

TwistedxKiss

I HATE small classes. I have taken classes with at least as many as 300 people in them, maybe more, and as small as 5-- most of my classes have been 15-20. I hate it. I love to be able to just sit in a lecture hall and listen and think and not have as much pressure to participate and make sure I look like I am paying attention for every single second of the session. I still make it a point to get face time with the professors outside of class, but I SO prefer that to a small classroom environment. Big classes aren't for everybody, but they are perfect for me. Not everybody needs or wants an "intimate" learning environment. I'd much rather take advantage of my resources and learn myself.

b@r!um

Being a science major, the size of my classes does not really matter because most classes are lectures anyway. Given a choice, I would go with the better lecturer regardless of class size.

That being said, I agree with TwistedxKiss that small classes come with more pressure to make a good impression. Too many small classes can be stressful if you are one of those students who want to make a good impression on every single one of your professors.

HisGraceFillsMe

I think both have their strong selling points. It's easier to get individualized help in small classes, but the big classes make it easier to get a high grade if it's graded on a curve. It's really just a matter of personal preference.

I agree with sitting in the front few rows. The prof. is more likely to know who you are that way; plus, it kinda forces you to pay attention.

navyarf

For large Universities with a wide range of student abilities, I would argue that lecture halls are much better learning environments. Why?

I find that in smaller classes/TA sessions, students who may have zero interest in the subject are forced to participate in these situations, and that usually ends up with them talking for the sake of talking and not contributing meaningfully to the class. If you've ever been in this situation, it isn't pleasant or beneficial for the disinterested student, the interested student, or the instructor.

In lecture halls with no participation pressures, the people who ask the questions are usually going to be the ones asking the good ones. I've found this to be the general case.

TwistedxKiss

^ That's a good point. I like that there are enough people in my classes that the idiots who don't care have no reason to speak, and we can still have a meaningful, lively discussion without them.

SingDanceRunLife

For me, yes. That's why I like my school...most classes are between 20 and 30 people, and our lecture halls can only fit about 60 (although the largest class I've heard of was 45-50).

PlattsburghLoser

Frankly, I highly prefer them to the smaller classes.

However, considering this thread is four years old, I doubt the OP is still concerned about this topic.