Class sizes

I support the teachers' demonstration last Sunday where they asked for implementation of small classes. There are several good reasons to support them.

First, small classes improve teaching efficiency. With reduced class size, each student gets more attention from his teacher. Teachers also can afford more time to take care of needed individuals. In a large class of about 40 students like we have now, not all students get sufficient attention; such classes are often difficult to handle. Those students may feel neglected and try to attract attention, giving rise to disciplinary problems.

Second, according to census 2000, the birth rate in Hong Kong is dropping which implies a declining student population. Teachers face losing their jobs as there will be a surplus of teachers in some districts. Without building extra schools and spending on extra teaching resources, it is a good chance to implement small-class teaching because it will absorb the extra teachers and improve the quality of education.

Finally, the class size in Hong Kong is one of the highest in the developed world. Countries in Europe and America and even Shanghai, Taipei and Japan have reduced class sizes and the effects have been recognised. If Hong Kong wants to maintain its compatibility in the developed world, it must follow the trend.

EDITH KATHERINE LAU, Shamshuipo