Size Class Size

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Does class size really matter? Class sizes continue to be a big dispute amongst parents and teachers. There are many factors which can affect a child’s education and this seems to be one of them. An upsurge in population and a cutback in subsidy are both the main reasons why class sizes are rising. Sadly, numerous classrooms are beyond thirty students which makes it even harder for students to receive the amount of attentiveness required from their teachers. Also, it can be a wearisome and hectic situation on the teachers. This is a tactful situation because we all know that the more students you add in a classroom, the more problematic the communications become, with disturbances occurring more probable. In his essay “Looking Back, Looking…show more content…
These students have differing aptitudes and interests that having such a large classroom size can infringe on the amount of attention the teachers gives his/her student. “The recommended methods and strategies for teaching these subjects encourage lots of child-centred activities that provide first-hand experiences which would allow the students to develop some process, manipulative and social skills.” (Fan, 2012, p.95). Teachers dealing with so many students at a time are unable to concentrate on every students’ need, hence leaving the children to cope with the workload for themselves. If the students are not seeking the amount of attention they need, they will surely begin falling behind on both their schoolwork and grades. Having achieved such poor grades, students then lose confidence in themselves and they begin to neglect their schoolwork and lose interest in school. Conversely, Ehrenburg and Brewer (2001) states that “students in smaller classes are more likely to develop good study habits, higher self-esteem and possibly other beneficial cognitive traits—which may very well persist for years, even after the students have gone back to regular-size classes”(p.79). This gives students the confidence needed to farther their education. Plus, smaller classes will make it easier for the teacher to give special notice to those struggling…show more content…
This differs with the students that are in larger class sizes. They may be too timid to speak in front of their peers and would not ask the teacher for any help. In the long run this will affect them academically. Finn, Pannozzo, and Achilles (2003) notes “From a "sense of belonging" perspective, smaller groups may encourage member participation (a) because smaller groups are more unified in their purposes and actions than are larger groups and (b) because individual members often feel that they are more closely affiliated with the group, receiving guidance and support from other group members” (p.346). Students will support each other because they will feel more comfortable and unified. Students will be under more pressure to partake in class activities verses those in larger classes because the teacher may call upon them more to answer questions. “It should also be noted that researchers who found significant influence of class size on academic performances emphasised that the effects of class size were greatest for either disadvantaged and minority students or students of low socio-economic status. This work therefore maintains that class size has a significant influence on the academic performances of students and government should ensure that there is a reduction of class size to the barest minimum.” (Fan, 2012, p.97). Many people depend

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