HOW CAN CLASS SIZE AFFECT STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE?

There has been much debate among academics and teachers over the last decade on whether or not class size has a substantial impact on students’ ability to learn. Although reducing class sizes has been advocated as a method of bettering education for decades, there is still no consensus on whether or not it actually helps students learn more. This study draws on earlier studies in education to critically analyze the evidence on the impact of class size on student achievement. Project STAR (Student/Teacher Achievement Ratio) was an early and often-cited research on the impact of class size on student achievement that was launched in Tennessee in the late 1980s. Over 80 elementary schools participated in the study, and the academic performance of pupils in small classrooms (13-17 students), regular-size classes (22-25 students), and big classes (27-31) was assessed (Dynarski et al., 1996).

Students in smaller courses regularly outperformed those in bigger classes on academic success, standardized examinations, and cognitive growth, according to the study’s authors (Dynarski et al., 1996). Smaller classrooms may be essential for best learning settings, as shown by studies like Project STAR, which analyzed classroom observations of student-teacher interactions and academic success. In Singapore, where there is a large number of students compared to teachers, another study was done to examine the effect of class size on academic performance. Class size reduction was found to have a substantial impact on student achievement, especially for kids from disadvantaged backgrounds (Darling-Hammond, 2000). A reduced class size has also been linked to increased teacher-student engagement, which in turn has been shown to improve academic outcomes (Frederickson et al., 2005).

Furthermore, studies have shown that smaller classes allow for greater one-on-one education and help students feel more comfortable asking questions and participating in class discussions (Ponitz et al., 2009). Despite data supporting smaller class sizes, others have contended that class size is not the main determinant of students’ success in school. In terms of student performance, some researchers have suggested that factors such as teacher experience and high-quality training may be more beneficial than class size reduction alone (Achilles et al., 1994).

While some research suggests that smaller class sizes are associated with increased learning, others have suggested that appropriate financing is more crucial to improving education outcomes (Hanushek et al., 2001) than reducing class sizes. In addition, some research has revealed that class size reduction programs, although being costly, may not necessarily result in superior educational outcomes, especially for kids in high school and beyond (Hoxby, 2000). Class size reduction may be more effective in elementary schools, when pupils have less homework and are more inclined to talk to one another, according to some research (Blatchford et al., 2015). In addition, prior studies have shown that reducing class sizes alone may not be enough in schools where students already have access to extensive educational resources and technology (Leithwood et al., 2009).

Even when classes are smaller, not all students benefit academically. Specifically, studies have shown that minority students, low-income students, and English Language Learners (ELLs) may all benefit from smaller class sizes, whereas kids in other groups may not noticeably gain from having an extra teacher in the room (Chingos, 2013). In conclusion, there is a growing amount of data showing that students in smaller classrooms outperform those in bigger courses or demonstrably do better in smaller classes, even if the literature on the impact of class size on student performance remains somewhat mixed. Thus, the ideal number of students in a classroom remains a contentious issue.

However, the value of experienced teachers and well funded education systems cannot be discounted, and the results imply that reduced class sizes may have more substantial educational benefits for difficult pupils. Classroom size, teacher experience, teacher training, proper financing, and access to educational resources are only few of the essential aspects that impact students’ academic achievement that educators and politicians should continue to monitor and review. This research-based strategy fosters an optimal classroom setting that caters to the unique requirements of each learner.