Understanding the Impact of Class Size on Student Learning

Category: Skoodos

Class size is one of the inevitable, debated topics in every education system nowadays. As much as we all appreciate that an ideal class size goes along with good learning, the exact impact that class size has on student achievement and engagement is much more complex than it appears to be. In this blog, we shall discuss the effect that class size has on learning. We will then talk about the advantages of having smaller classes. Next, we'll mention the problems associated with having a big class. Finally, we will see how technological solutions, like Skoodos, can work to narrow the gap.

Why Does Class Size Matter?

Class size is defined as the number of students to be taught by a certain teacher or classroom. It can be a strong influencer on how well students learn, how teachers teach, and even how schools utilise their resources. In most cases, smaller class sizes often relate to improving attention accorded to individual students, interaction between students and teachers, and making a more focused and riveting learning environment.

Advantages of Small Class Sizes

1. More Personalised Attention 

Given the smaller class size, every teacher can focus on more students individually. They can get to know the needs of each different student, the strengths and weaknesses, and by focusing accordingly, students will feel that they are receiving enough attention and be encouraged to participate actively in the classroom. Some weak students will drastically improve their performance due to the special attention given.

2. More Positive Interaction Between Teachers and Students

The fewer the number of students the more time available with individual students to the teachers, hence knowing them as individuals. This may go about being personal tutoring, talking with a student or even checking up with a student from time to time. This categorises the learning process hence making it effective.

More Active Participation In a smaller class, students tend to be freer and more willing to participate in discussions, pose questions, and contribute in a learning situation. Such participation leads to critical thinking and better retention of information as compared to a big class room scenario, where students may easily become passive recipients of knowledge.

4. Enhanced Classroom Management

 Controlling fewer students is easier than handling a big number. The teacher can control the classroom activities; reduce disruptions, and, as a result, have a learning environment that is more productive, effective, and orderly. Whenever the teacher has time to know each student and guide them appropriately, it will be possible to create a desirable classroom culture.

5. Student Outcomes 

There is also more recent research evidence that smaller class sizes are inversely proportional to better academic results. Research findings conclude that the students attending small classes tend to perform remarkably well in standardised achievement tests, improve their social relationship, and also rarely exhibit behavioural problems. This finding has been recognized especially at early school ages where most skills are laid.

Limitations of Large Class Size

Whereas it has been evident that smaller class sizes have numerous advantages, many schools come across the issue of larger classrooms, especially schools in urban cities or underfunded districts. Some of the major problems include:

1. Low Quality of Attention 

Big classes mean that the teacher cannot spend as much time as needed on an individual basis. The more the students are, the more difficult it becomes to pick out who needs a little extra attention. By the time a student is behind, probably due to lack of adequate challenge, he or she has fallen so far behind that it is too much for them. They start feeling frustrated and remain disengaged.

2. Poor Teacher-Student Interaction

 High-class students create difficulties for some teachers in as much as reaching every student on individual levels. Some of these students would instead click well while being in a group, but the others fail to put forth their voices. This creates a sense of isolation or frustration in some students who may require much attention from the teacher.

3. Managing the Classroom 

Classrooms with an unusually high number of students become difficult to control and manage. More pupils bring more opportunities for higher probability factors of disruptions, making it hard to focus lessons. The result is bidirectional frustration; frustrated teachers who cannot handle a class and restless or unsupported students.

4. Limited Scope for Involvement 

Some students tend to feel left out or intimidated in a large class environment and end up disengaging from the discussions. It then becomes tough for each student to participate in the discussion which could degrade the quality of learning in the process. More reclusive students may not get equal opportunities to prove their knowledge of the subject matter.

5. Stretching of Resources 

Overly large classes cause overstretching of resources. There may not be enough textbooks, materials, or even sufficient space for each student to be guaranteed that which is essential for success. This can even lead to an overall degradation of the learning experience in some instances.

Role of Technology in the Class Size Problem

While class size would always be a challenge, technology can help ease out some of the difficulties posed by larger classrooms. The tools provided on digital platforms like Skoodos will help teachers better engage with students in classes of any size. Technology allows for the following: giving individualised attention to students in a packed classroom; plan learning according to the student's needs through personalised learning plans; conduct interactive lessons to foster active involvement among the students, and track every child's progress.

For example, Skodoos online platform has access to free resources for the students on demand. In this way, teachers can see the real-time progress of their students and provide appropriate feedback and interventions if needed. At this level of population in classrooms, even a huge class will require this kind of personal attention, which will not let any student fall behind.

Furthermore, integration with other tools in the classroom will make it somewhat easier for Skoodos to manage assignments, track students' progress, and communicate between teachers, students, and parents. The result is, therefore, the enhancement of experiences in learning for both students and teachers while in classes of any number.

The actual class size has the greatest influence on the student's learning. However, it affects everything from personalised attention to overall performance in academics. Though smaller classes have a number of benefits related to the interaction between the teacher and the student and the support that can be given, bigger classes pose some challenges that need answers. Luckily, with the right tools and resources, such as those offered by Skoodos, educators can get better ways to navigate through these challenges and offer students a more personalised, engaging learning experience.

If you are an educator, a parent, or a student keen to discover more about how technology could be utilised to enrich the learning experience, simply log on to Skoodos today! Our portal provides innovative answers that ensure the little minds win irrespective of the class size.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does reduced class size influence students with disabilities?

Small classes benefit students with special needs by giving the teacher ample time to focus on each pupil while delivering personalised instruction. Small classes require such support, and class size gives the teacher enough time to pay attention to individual students' diverse needs.

2. How small should a class be for learning to effectively occur?

Overall, research has shown that the ideal class size to really learn is around 15-20 students. However, it can vary greatly due to age group, subject matter, and for example, use of resources through assistants or technology.

3. Can technology really replace the need for smaller class sizes?

Technology such as Skoodos can thus easily handle the problems caused by big classrooms by enabling personalised experiences in learning. It is, however, not a complete replacement for better results obtained in smaller classes. Often, an optimal and balanced approach that combines technology with appropriate teacher-student interaction would work best.

4. How can Skoodos reduce big classrooms?

Skoodos is designed to offer a collection of tools to manage a bigger classroom better. This includes features such as real-time monitoring, learning modules, as well as communication tools that can aid in student interaction while not interfering in overcrowded classes.

5. Does Skoodos provide access or resources for parents?

Yes! Skoodos allows the parent to track the progress of their child, communicate with the teacher in real-time, and provide supplementary learning material. This will make the connection of the parent far more conscious of the education process, especially in cases where children are taught in large classes.