In recent times, it is usually believed that small classes are beneficial for language students, whereas others claim that the number of students in a class does not matter. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss both views before giving my opinion.
First and foremost, people should recognize the fact that small classes can be helpful for language learners. There is no denying that teachers can give more attention to each student when there are fewer people in the class. It is obvious that students can receive more feedback and have more chances to practise speaking. For example, in a class of ten students, a teacher can spend more time listening to each student’s pronunciation and correcting their mistakes. Furthermore, one further justification which should not be ignored here is that small classes can make students feel more comfortable. This means that they may be less afraid of making mistakes when speaking a foreign language. A good case in point would be shy students, who may participate more actively in a small group.
On the other hand, there are some reasons supporting the statement that the number of students does not matter. It is important to remember that the quality of teaching is also very important. In other words, a good teacher can make large class effective by using different activities and group work. For instance, students in a large language class can work in pairs or small groups to practise speaking with each other. Furthermore, larger class can give students more chances to meet people with different personalities and backgrounds. This mean that they can practise communicating with a wider range of people. A good example would be an English class where students from different countries learn and communicate together.
In conclusion, while some people argue that the number of students does not have a major effect on language learning, I am quite in favor of the idea saying that small classes are more beneficial because students can receive more attention and have more opportunities to practise. However, each of us should consider carefully before reaching the final decision on this issue