Spring Break
Increase found in class sizes in certain dept.
Issue date: 12/6/07
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Professor Marc Greenberg watches over 300 students file in one by one. Every Monday at 9:50 a.m., the Organic Chemistry I lecture in Hodson 110 is packed. By 10 a.m., Greenberg begins his lecture. Most of the students have arrived by now, although a few students straggle in.
For the next 50 minutes, Greenberg lectures to one of the largest classes on campus.
This is a scene that repeats over and over again everyday on college campuses across America.
The National Center for Academic Transformation estimates that the 25 most common college courses - particularly the introductory courses in science and mathematics - account for 35 percent of four-year college enrollment. This means that large portions of college students are taking relatively few classes.
With nationwide college enrollment expected to increase to 20 million within the next eight years, it seems this situation is unlikely to change.
"I certainly think that, at least in research universities like Johns Hopkins, large classes are here to stay," said Steven David, head of the International Studies program and professor in the political science department.
According to Dean of Undergraduate Education Paula Burger, 11 percent of classes offered at Hopkins enroll more than 50 students. Two-thirds of courses, however, have fewer than 20 students.
Introductory class enrollments have increased dramatically over the last few years. In fall 2005, 957 students were enrolled in introductory math courses. In two years this number has increased to 1,106 students.
During the same time, the math department has also seen an increased student-teacher ratio. In 1977, there were 16 math professors and 2,100 students enrolled at Hopkins. In 2007, there were 24 math professors and 4,478 students enrolled.
"I have only been here for six years," Greenberg said. "However, my colleagues tell me that the number of students enrolled in organic chemistry has increased. Last year there were approximately 290 students in my section of organic chemistry. This year there are approximately 315 students."
For the next 50 minutes, Greenberg lectures to one of the largest classes on campus.
This is a scene that repeats over and over again everyday on college campuses across America.
The National Center for Academic Transformation estimates that the 25 most common college courses - particularly the introductory courses in science and mathematics - account for 35 percent of four-year college enrollment. This means that large portions of college students are taking relatively few classes.
With nationwide college enrollment expected to increase to 20 million within the next eight years, it seems this situation is unlikely to change.
"I certainly think that, at least in research universities like Johns Hopkins, large classes are here to stay," said Steven David, head of the International Studies program and professor in the political science department.
According to Dean of Undergraduate Education Paula Burger, 11 percent of classes offered at Hopkins enroll more than 50 students. Two-thirds of courses, however, have fewer than 20 students.
Introductory class enrollments have increased dramatically over the last few years. In fall 2005, 957 students were enrolled in introductory math courses. In two years this number has increased to 1,106 students.
During the same time, the math department has also seen an increased student-teacher ratio. In 1977, there were 16 math professors and 2,100 students enrolled at Hopkins. In 2007, there were 24 math professors and 4,478 students enrolled.
"I have only been here for six years," Greenberg said. "However, my colleagues tell me that the number of students enrolled in organic chemistry has increased. Last year there were approximately 290 students in my section of organic chemistry. This year there are approximately 315 students."
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