It’s widely believed that smaller, more intimate, class sizes are better suited for student learning than larger classes. However, a new long-term study on math and science teaching trends finds that smaller class sizes don’t necessarily always lead to higher grades and achievements. Ultimately, the research team say, the effect of class size on student performance is dependent upon a number of additional factors such as country, the subject being taught, and various cognitive and non-cognitive skills.
It’s easy to understand why most believe smaller classes are the way to go. Fewer students in each class facilitates more individualized attention from teachers, and makes it easier for administrators to maintain a sense of control. Due to these reasons, various countries have instituted limits on how large classes can be, with many capping the number at around 30 students per class.
Still, prior research on this topic has largely yielded inconsistent findings, with some studies identifying clear benefits to smaller classes, while others haven’t. Furthermore, most of this research was small in scope, focused primarily on only math or reading, and failed to consider the influence class size has on other non-academic or cognitive skills such as overall interest in the topic being taught and attentiveness.
So, in an effort to perform a comprehensive analysis on classroom size and subsequent learning, the research team used data originally collected via the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
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6 comments:
The most important factor in learning is the intelligence and personality of the TEACHER.
When Teachers start teaching instead of indoctrinating students then the results will show drastic upturn.
When you have competent Teachers and Administrators that back the Teachers with discipline problems there will be no improvement. My classes when I was in school from the 1 - 12 there were 28 - 36 students in a class and there was not this problem because there were penalties for discipline problems.
I disagree. My children go to the "worst" high school in the county and they have the smallest classroom sizes. They thrive there. The teachers are able to teach and have open dialogue with the students. I had a choice and I chose against the grain for this opportunity of small classes.
I agree with you 4:50. The researchers are lying. Using common sense be tell the truth
Northwest Woodsman: I suppose that larger classes provide a target rich environment for those disruptive ethnic marauders to pick their victims from all the while giving them some protective cover and anonymity. Their strength in numbers will also negate any disciplinary action. Should work out just fine. What could possibly go wrong?
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