Does class size affect productivity?

[5Maria]

There is a debate between teachers and students whether productivity increases or decreases depending on the number of students in a class. 9 in 10 teachers agree that smaller class sizes are more effective than bigger size ones. According to research, students perform better in smaller classes. The most famous study of class size reduction took place in Tennessee in 1985. They decided to reduce the amount of students from kindergarten through third grade. It resulted that students in classes from 13 to 17 students surpassed scores compared to classes from 22 to 25 students. 

Some benefits of small class sizes are: greater classroom engagement, higher attendance, less distractions and it can allow teachers to give a more individual and personalized attention. Smaller classes also help students build more confidence and friendshipness with other children in the class as interaction is easier between them.

Some cons about smaller classes are: the children do not learn how to interact with a larger group of people. When doing presentations, most students show they are confident to do it in a smaller group but when having to deal with a bigger class all their confidence is lost. This could have a negative effect in the future when having to interact with large groups of people. 

I believe that class size can affect students' productivity and effectiveness. Having less people in a class can increase effectiveness and make students more engaged. However, I think there should be any day of the week where classes enlarge their number so students can learn how to deal with bigger size groups of people and interact with more people. 

 

Do you think smaller classes are more effective?

Do you think parents should get to choose if they want a bigger or smaller class for their children?

Sources:

https://www.chalkbeat.org/2022/6/10/23162544/class-size-research#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20that%20students%20perform%20better%20in%20smaller%20classes.&text=There's%20little%20debate%20among%20teachers,would%20strongly%20boost%20student%20learning.

https://ncte.org/statement/why-class-size-matters/

[5Maria]

I agree that it is easier to give a more individual attention when classes are smaller.

[5Laura]

I think that smaller classes are more effective because there are also less distraction opportunities. Furthermore, I think the teacher can give each student more attention and help them with problems. I also feel like it is easier to learn in a smaller class because you can talk more easily about the topic etc. 

[5Maria]

I agree that small classes are more effective. 

[2Aidan]

I feel like the smaller the classes the more productivity there is because there's a lot less noise and people and the teacher won't have to scream over and over again over the students. I don't think that parents should be able to choose what there student should be in and I think that it should be up to the teacher because they have more experience with the class than the parents do.

[5Maria]

I completely agree with you. Smaller size classes end up being more effective and easier for students to concentrate.

[5Levi]

I think smaller classes are more effective because the students are more under control and there is more one on one time with the teacher to help them learn. Classes with 22-25 students are often rowdy, out of control, and have a much harder time learning. Smaller classes also allow students to open up more, have more time to talk to others, and learn more in general.

[5Maria]

I agre that smaller classes are more effective and also help the teacher deal with the class easier.

[8Vanessa]

I think smaller class sizes are better in general. I do not think larger classes are necesarilly horrible, but just not ideal for everyone. That's probably a big part in why college is so much harder for students than high school. In high school, you get used to having individual help on assignments. Often in college, a professor will not give individual help or will make a TA do it. This is due to class numbers. I do not know how a parent would be able to choose class sizes, and I do not think it would be a feasible process.

[5Maria]

I agree that class size affects productivity and can make it harder for some students.

[2Caitlin]

I think that smaller classes are better for students. When teacher have less students they are able to spend more time with each individual student. I don't think parents should get to choose if their students are in a small or big class. There will typically always be a bigger class and students should be able to experience both so they know how to rest in controled environment and less controled environment with less help.