Election debates: Will you be watching?

[Bewildered]

Actually, the idea that smaller class sizes are universally A Good Thing is an urban myth which is very rarely challenged, yet for which there is no evidence whatsoever. Some of the countries (in Asia) with the most successful (in terms of results) education systems have huge classes as a rule - often 50 or more - with one teacher, no TAs or classroom assistants.

Having witnessed such a class when younger, I remember that all the pupils were lined up in rows, reciting their tables aloud, as one. They were learning by rote. The discipline was fierce, so no child dared step out of line. Their parents had to pay for an education, if they wanted one for their children. Many there couldn't afford an education and desperately wished they could give their DC this much revered opportunity.

Attitudes and cultures make a huge difference from one education system to the next.

Here, for better or worse, we now live in a PC environment/climate. Education is free, so is not seen as an opportunity but the opposite by some. Teachers have been given very little room to provide discipline. Which makes a huge difference to what children believe they can or cannot get away with. Most in my experience will try it on, to test the boundaries. If the boundaries are weak.........

Engagement with learning, at least, stands a better chance in a class where all students are listening to the person at the front because there are no diversions to be seen or best mates to chat to, who are usually sitting right beside them.