2.1 A narrative review of literature regarding class size in online  (Page 5/11)

Taft, Perkowski, and Martrin (2011) suggested three frameworks (constructivist-objectivist, community of inquiry, Bloom's taxonomy, and combinations of the three). Based on each framework and a review of literature, they recommended numbers of students in online classes, with numbers ranging from fewer than 15 to 40 students. They did, however, indicate that large sections may have no known upper limits within the constructivist-objectivist framework.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT; 2003) recommended that faculty should have a voice in establishing online class sizes. The AFT provided examples on how to maintain integrity with class sizes online primarily because a faculty member indicated “ that the amount of work that a distance education course took to develop and implement was far greater than that of a traditional course. The resulting increased workload, therefore, demanded smaller, not larger, classes” (p. C-6). The AFT suggested that (a) the maximum class size should be equivalent to face-to-face classes, (b) class size determinations should go through the traditional curriculum development process, and (c) classes online should be set with a limited number—all suggestions should have faculty input. The rationale for the suggestions were prompted by the standards set forth by the AFT (2000), one of which indicated that class size should encourage a high degree of interactivity. In the 2000 survey by the AFT, there were 33% of the respondents who taught fewer than 20 students online, more than 50% taught 20 to 50 students, less than 10% taught more than 50 students.

Recognized university programs online

Some of the top 25 online school in 2011, as noted by TheBestColleges.org (“Top 25 Online Colleges,” 2011), include on their websites, the average number of students in online classes. For example, Southern New Hampshire University classes include 20 students per class, and Liberty University undergraduate classes include 25 students, while the average graduate class size is 20. American Military University has an average class size of 14, while Drexel University noted an average class size of 18. University of Phoenix boasts of having a class size limit of 20 students, while Cappella University has an average class size of 12. Herzing University indicates an average class size of 18 with each class capped at 25 students maximum, and Devry University also indicates an average class size of 18.

According to U.S. News and World Report (2012), 14 universities made the honor roll list for 2012 for their graduate education online programs: (a) Auburn University, Bowling Green State University, University of Massachusetts- Amherst, and Wright State University noted a maximum class size of 20; (b) Brenau University has a maximum class size of 24; (c) Fort Hays State University was noted as N/A; however, on the school’s website, the average class size is at 18; (d) George Washington University posted an N/A in terms of class size, as did Sam Houston State University (note that SHSU has an average class size of 18 as reported by the author); (e) Northern Illinois University, Pennsylvania State University Park, University of Houston, University of Nebraska-Kearney, and University of South Florida have maximum class sizes of 25, and (f) Syracuse University noted a maximum class size of 30.