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Does Class Size Matter?

A growing body of research supports the importance of small classes in K-12 education. A 2011 study by the Brookings Institution found that students in small classes (16-18 students or fewer) outperformed those in larger classes (22 students or more) by a rate equivalent to three months of additional schooling every four years. This means that students who begin kindergarten in small classes are nearly one year ahead of their peers in larger classes by eighth grade.

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The nonprofit organization Class Size Matters has compiled decades of research showing that students in smaller classes have better cognitive reasoning skills, higher standardized test scores, better high school graduation rates, better college admissions outcomes, higher college graduation rates, and ultimately higher wages compared to students in larger classes. In addition to these long-term benefits, there are several immediate reasons why class size matters.

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Increased Individual Attention

In larger classes, teachers must divide their attention among more students, making it difficult to recognize the unique needs of each one. While students with exceptional gifts or extreme deficiencies may get noticed, it becomes nearly impossible to tailor instruction to meet the needs of every student. Students with learning disabilities, language barriers, emotional struggles, attention deficits, or other learning exceptionalities can easily fall behind. Even average students who simply need occasional additional help may get overlooked. With fewer distractions and a more intimate learning environment, struggling students are more likely to feel comfortable asking for help and receiving the assistance they need. Average students are more likely to keep pace, while exceptional students are more likely to be challenged.

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A Better Classroom Environment

Large classes can cause students to feel anonymous and disengaged, like passive observers rather than active participants in their learning. In smaller classes, students are more likely to engage in discussions, ask questions, connect with peers, and actively participate in the learning process. Teachers are better able to create activities, assignments, and projects that foster interactive and collaborative learning experiences. They can also manage the classroom more effectively, address disruptive behavior, and identify potential issues early, intervening before problems escalate. For this reason, smaller classes are often safer!

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Stronger Relationships

Students in smaller classes form stronger, deeper, and more meaningful relationships with both their teachers and their peers. These relationships are crucial for creating a culture of trust, where students feel known and valued. When students feel respected by their teachers and peers, they are more likely to learn without fear of failure, take risks, explore their intellectual interests, and grow into mature individuals with confidence and a realistic understanding of their abilities. Education is an intensely personal endeavor, and strong relationships form the foundation for all quality learning.

 

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Conclusion 

There may be no single factor more significant in affecting long-term student outcomes than class size. Small classes also play a crucial role in the day-to-day happiness of both students and teachers. The school year is long, and the educational process is intense, but learning done well need not be a drudgery for students or teachers. Over the years, I have worked with dozens of educators who changed schools seeking a smaller classroom environment. Many of these teachers had considered leaving the profession altogether, but smaller classes revitalized their love for teaching and saved their careers. In large classrooms, teachers often find themselves doing so many other things that they lose sight of what initially drew them to the profession. A small class is more likely to produce students who love learning because it’s more likely to be taught by a teacher who loves teaching! We owe it to our students and teachers to create learning environments that not only produce positive educational outcomes but also nurture the spirit and nourish the soul in the process. 

Mr. Matthew Kerlin serves as the Head of School at Mount Paran Christian School. 
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