CONSIDERING CLASS SIZE AND STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT This topic focuses on the pros and cons of having smaller and larger classrooms in schools and other factors contributing to effective teaching and learning.

Considering Class Size and Student Achievement Worldwide average class size and student teacher ratio are considered carefully by parents selecting schools for their children. While education experts consider them critically when evaluating a healthy education system.

Large class?

What is a large class? No agreement or standard definition in any literature as to what constitutes a large class/group. Different countries and people have varied perceptions of what constitutes a small, ideal or large class.

Ryan and Greenfield No such thing as a small or large class. The opinion of the teacher is probably what determines “small’ or ‘large”.

Perceptions, experience……. This opinion, in turn, is dependent on: – Size of the class relative to other classes in the school or district/circuit – Size of the class relative to the teacher’s experience – The level of schooling. – The subject – The total teacher workload.

What is a large class? In developing countries – class of 60 learners not necessarily large Average large class for teachers 46 – 49 This number smaller to that experienced daily by many teachers in countries like: – Nigeria – Indonesia – Japan

Class size 30 – 35 could be considered large by a British teacher, but EXPERIENCE would be the determining factor However, classes of 30 – 35 could be ‘ideal’ for the teacher whose daily experience is to deal with 60 or more learners.

Small versus Big classes Advantages of smaller classes:  Better, individualised attention to learners;  Easier to teach, evaluate and give feedback to learners;  Learners in small classes spend more time on class assignments/schoolwork;  Large classes are associated with reduces teacher attention; more chaotic classes, and loss of interest in what is taught.

Advantages of Large classes Increased opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other; Fewer learners – limited interaction; Increased competition amongst learners; Greater motivation to work harder; Increased exposure for learners – make new friends – interact with others; Fewer learners in class – chances of finding great friends, and learning new things often reduced.

Actual value of optimal TSR dependent on: Age of the learner – lower grades and early school years; Subjects taught ….. Quality (experience) of the teacher Learners’ socio-economic status – rural vs urban Cultural values – China & Japan

Tools for Managing a large class Tip 1: Collaborative groupwork Tip 2: Accept that things take longer – Strategies like: “Thumbs up/down” – Holding one or 3 fingers to their chest to let teacher know how well they understand – Exit slips (to see if they “got it”) – Ask one strategic question about the day’s learning

Tips for Managing a large class Tip 3: Find new ways to know students: – The larger the class size, the more the relationships with learners suffer – Create surveys once a week – what they liked or did not like – Invite learners to write you a letter about their learning, their accomplishments, challenges and interests. – Create differentiated assignments for gifted kids

Tips for Managing a large class Be okay with Loud and Letting Go! – Just because it’s loud doesn’t mean they aren’t learning – Put the kids in groups – give them a challenging task and some supplies – Roam from group to group and if the door suddenly swings open to visitors from the district – Let them get an eye full of engaged, enthusiastic learners!

Tips for Managing a large class As for letting go! If the teacher is still: – Passing out papers; – Collecting supplies; – Stamping homework; STOP – Assign learner’s “jobs”.

Tips for Managing a large class By giving up these managerial tasks the teacher will have more free time to: Check in with a child who has been absent a lot; Add a step to an assignment for that advanced learner; Crack a joke with a quiet, moody teen who avoids others; Or pose a strategic inquiry question to the whole class!

In Conclusion How would you manage a larger number of learners? What tips would you like to offer fellow teachers?

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