Class Size and The Quality Of Learning

It's difficult to compare apples with apples when it comes to learning outcomes. Similarly, it's difficult to predict whether adding an extra student or five to a class is going to lead to decreased academic achievement. Some studies say decreasing class sizes to 16 or fewer gives better results. Some say it's ok to have as many as 40 students per class, provided that:

• there are enough learning resources (textbooks, study aids, scientific equipment);
• all 40 students are at a similar academic level;
• there are no discipline issues.

One thing is certain, though: there is no research that indicates increasing class sizes results in improved learning. Which is why New Zealand is celebrating today: the government abandoned its plans to decrease the national teacher force by two per school. We can keep our class sizes to under 30.

Not all countries are so lucky, however. In many parts of the world, classes of 30 or 40 pupils are the norm. At Creative Learning, we have a free tool called Group Profiles, that helps teachers make sense of the behaviour issues and learning needs of their students.

Of course, even if your class size is only 25... or 15... or even 5, you can still use Group Profiles. They will show you the most effective and efficient ways of teaching your unique group. The changes to your teaching day may be as tiny as installing a dimmer on the classroom light switch, and they may make all the difference between hyperactive and alert students!

Analyse your students' learning style today!