One distinct strength of CC's Block Plan is that it engages students in a rigorous classroom environment, with daily meetings on an intimate scale with face-to-face interactions among students and faculty. But often courses capped at 25 are too large to allow for the kind of focused individual learning that we strive to achieve. Making the maximum class size more flexible - allowing for smaller course limits where appropriate for format and content - would enhance the personal attention given to each student, enabling an even more effective learning environment. For courses incorporating language study, critical discussion and interpretation of texts, scientific inquiry, and the creative arts, the option of smaller courses in selected areas would be a great improvement to the educational mission of the College.
The Steering Committee decided to send this idea to the Engaged Teaching and Learning committee to be considered as an initiative as part of the strategic planning process.