Class size caps in Expository Writing, Introduction to Writing Across the Curriculum and Freshman Seminar have risen. Graphic by Taylor Quartararo | The Appalachian

Class sizes rose again during the spring 2011 semester, as Appalachian State University continued to deal with budget cuts.

The increases have been sporadic, depending on seat availability and class demand, and not completely across the board for every class, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Susan Davies said.

There was, most notably, an increase in the number of students in 1000 and 2000 level courses. Across the board, Expository Writing, Introduction to Writing Across the Curriculum and Freshman Seminar increased in size.

"Definitely the university values small class sizes and we would all like to lower the class size in what we consider to be these foundational courses," Davies said. "But right now our goal and mission is to provide class seats to students in the time that they need the class so that their progression to graduation will continue."

Appalachian lost a number of faculty positions this year due to state budget cuts, Davies said. With the loss of faculty, Appalachian's only option was to increase class size.

Now, students are struggling with the increases.

Sophomore sociology major Lauren Berryhill said her social deviance class is too large for a lot of discussion.

"Once it gets to the talking part of the class, it'll be harder to talk and to individualize with the teacher," she said.

Junior anthropology major Kirstie Wolf said it has been harder to ask questions in class.

"There's too many people," Wolf said. "If we ask questions, we won't get anything done."

Some instructors are feeling the pressure as well.

Geography and planning professor Rob Brown said he can see the effects a larger class size is having on the classroom learning environment.

"I think there's a loss of community in the classroom and it's more difficult for a class personality," Brown said. "So, as far as I conduct the classroom, it's not all that different. It's just that there's less discussion, less questions and that sort of thing."

In fall 2009, GEO 1020 was capped at 105 students. Now, Brown teaches 130.

The class is not only required for elementary education majors but is part of the general education curriculum as well, so the class seats have increased, Brown said.

"I think my chance for assessing students on an individual basis is weakened," Brown said. "In a large classroom, I don't really have a good of chance to see what's going on with them learning-wise."

Sharon Alusow teaches Exp. Wr., Intro to WAC and British Literature, which have all increased in size.

Alusow said the most difficult part of teaching larger writing classes is the impact on her workload.

With 26 students in three of her classes and 27 in one, there are about 125 to 150 pages she has to grade.

"It certainly has an impact on the number of hours you have to put in," Alusow said.

She also said it is harder to get to know her students.

"I have a really hard time learning names," Alusow said. "It was difficult enough with 22. With 26, it's almost impossible."

Currently, Writing Across the Curriculum, the Hubbard Center and Learning Technology Services (LTS) all offer resources for teachers dealing with larger classes.

Story: KELLI STRAKA, Senior News Reporter
Graphic: TAYLOR QUARTARARO, Web Graphic Designer