The Positive Impacts of Small Class Sizes on Student Achievement

There is plenty of research that demonstrates the impact of class size on student achievement. In particular, studies show a strong relationship between class size reduction and increased student achievement.

It is hard to argue with the fact that the more students a teacher is responsible for, the harder it is to teach. On the other hand, there are too many variables in the average classroom to draw definitive conclusions about student achievement based on class size alone. These variables include the quality of instruction and curriculum, as well as the home environment of students. Nevertheless, lowering class size has been undeniably linked to a number of benefits for students. It is important to note that for early elementary school, “small” usually means fewer than 20, whereas the number tends to be slightly higher for high school students.

Here are some of the benefits of reducing classroom sizes:

1. Academic Performance

In general, smaller classes are associated with higher student performance across subjects, usually measured by standardized assessment. This positive relationship between smaller class size and improved student achievement has been observed across grades, countries, and continents. The benefit of small class sizes, however, is strongest for elementary grades, and it becomes more powerful and enduring the longer students remain part of smaller classes. Small class size is also beneficial for minority and at-risk students, as well as those struggling with English literacy.

One reason for the positive correlation between small class size and high student achievement is that coursework in a smaller class can be tailored to fit students’ needs. Teachers can customize their approach according to the learning styles of the class, allowing students to understand concepts in greater depth. Smaller classrooms also tend to be more conducive to hands-on assignments, so students can gain first-hand experience of the concepts they are introduced to. This enhances the learning experience because many students learn better by doing than by listening to a teacher talk about a topic.

2. Student Engagement

The improvement in students’ academic performance is an important benefit associated with small class sizes but is by no means the only measure of student success. Research findings have consistently highlighted linkages between smaller classes and greater student engagement in class. Teachers have always known that students are more active (in terms of talking and participation) in smaller classes. They are much more likely to interact with teachers and their peers instead of listening passively, as is the case with larger classes. Students in smaller classes tend to view their teachers and classes in a more positive light, and also describe themselves as having better relationships with teachers and peers.

Greater student engagement also leads to a reduction in disruptive behavior, so that teachers spend less time on discipline and more on classroom instruction. Teachers in smaller classes are better able to track students’ progress and use different pedagogical strategies for addressing their needs. The likelihood of students spending time off-task or disengaged from classwork is less when they are part of smaller classes. Studies have also demonstrated that students in smaller classes develop greater ability to take on learning challenges.

3. In-depth Exploration of Topics

Small class sizes allow teachers to spend less time on organization and discipline and more on teaching. With fewer students in the classroom, teachers can devote more time to each topic and expand on themes that students are interested in. When teachers allow themselves to be guided by students’ questions and interests, students are likely to be more receptive to the lessons as well.

4. Collaborative Classrooms

Students in large classrooms are more likely to interact with people they know and form cliques to exclude those whom they perceive as outsiders. In smaller classrooms, students tend to engage with most of their classmates and form a cohesive group whose members support and learn from each other. They also feel more comfortable around each other and feel more relaxed about engaging and asking questions. As members of small classrooms, they also receive more encouragement to be involved in learning; this in turn can lead to a healthy academic culture in the classroom. This also improves students’ ability to socialize meaningfully in society at large. Thus, small, collaborative classrooms also have a key sociological benefit: by enabling healthy socialization, we can also improve the standards of community.

5. Long-Term Benefits

The positive attributes of smaller class sizes are not confined to academic performance and student engagement in the early grades alone; they are also associated with long-term success in academics and life in general. Studies have also highlighted correlations between small class sizes and greater earning potential, increased probability of attending college, decreased dependence on welfare and lower crime rates. These benefits appear to be greater for under-represented and disadvantaged students.

6. Quality of Instruction

One of the most important factors contributing to academic success is the quality of teachers. Recruiting and retaining good teachers is a challenge schools must face as they strive to improve student test scores and overall academic success. Studies have indicated that school administrators often reward effective teachers by increasing their class sizes in order to improve student test scores. As can be expected, this policy often has the opposite effects of increasing teachers’ workloads while lowering student test scores. It has been observed that teachers with large class sizes are more likely to change jobs and face early burnout as compared to their colleagues who work with smaller classes.

Since teacher shortages have made it imperative that attrition rates be reduced, smaller class sizes are one way of ensuring that experienced teachers are encouraged to remain in the profession.

7. The Financial Aspect

A lot of school districts claim that small class sizes are too expensive and therefore unaffordable. The fact remains, however, that class size is a significant factor contributing to parents’ decision to send their children to private schools. Other factors that drive students from public to private and charter schools include more individual attention, better learning environment, and better student discipline, all of them directly resulting from smaller class sizes. School administrators and districts must therefore consider lowering class sizes as a means to retain students and improve the level of instruction in public schools, though this is not an easy task.