Case for Small Class Sizes
I'm a few weeks into my Master's Program in Computer Science at Georgetown, and I must say, I'm impressed so far. The professors definitely know there stuff, which is good, because you always want people who are teaching you to know what they are talking about. Not that I thought that would be a problem at all. One thing I was actually worried about was my ability to understand the professors. I, unfortunately, have some difficulty understanding non-native speakers. However, after meeting my professors, as well as those others who are not not teaching me this semester, I don't think that will be a problem. I was a HUGE problem at Oakland University, and unfortunately, OU didn't seem to care....
However, the thing I am most happy with (or impressed with), is the small size of classes. Both of my classes, which are upper/under classes, have only about 10 students in them. In technical subjects, this is an incredibly beneficial situation for the student. I find that I'm getting to know the professors, my fellow students, and most importantly, the subject matter - much better than I have in the past.
At Oakland University - a school somewhat known for its technical sciences - I was often in more advanced topics with upwards of 30-40 students. In particular, my operating systems and databases classes at OU were around 35 students. While I'm not taking an OS class (yet) at GU, I am taking databases, and can definitely say I've learned more in this class. The classes with a large amount of students seem to inherently prevent people from asking questions or from asking the professor to explain in more detail a subject that a particular student does not understand. I know that is the case for me anyhow.
While GU isn't particularily known for it's computer science program, I can already tell you I like it 10 times better than Oakland's program. Better professors who make an attempt to connect with students, small classes, and in-class exercises certainly speed the knowledge process. I don't think I ever did an in-class activity in 85% of my CS classes at OU. In both the classes I'm taking now at GU, we do in-class exercises, and then actually go over them. It's great!
Anyway, I don't think it will be easy from here on out. Databases I have a better understanding of, but the Software Engineering stuff I'm having to work my butt off to understand. I haven't really looked at SE stuff since I was a Software Process Improvement intern at SiemensVDO - nearly eight years ago.