The Impact of Class Size on Learning and Behaviors A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

The impact of education on the economy and success of a region cannot be ignored, as it is the main factor providing individuals with the opportunity to develop their skills, enhance their knowledge, and thus contribute towards their own success and the development of their society. For this purpose, it is necessary to consider that the classrooms or areas where knowledge is imparted, are appropriate for the students to absorb knowledge and instructions imparted by the teacher. Ideal classrooms encourage cooperation, interaction, problem-solving, and reduces the stress between the students when receiving feedback from their peers. This is why the size of the class or number of students present in the classroom, and the impact of this number on the effectiveness of lessons taught by the teacher. The aim of this research is to examine the issues that are faced due to large size of classes and its impacts on the learning and behavior of the students. The methodology adopted for the collection of data is qualitative, whereas surveys and interviews were used as tools to collect the data. A total of five themes emerged, which highlighted the importance of having a smaller class, which contributed a great deal towards their academic achievement, personalized attention, and getting better support and feedback. Moreover, it was also brought to focus the need for school design and infrastructure management. Since class size is linked to the comfort of the students and the pedagogy of the teachers, improvements can be made in innovating the tools, creating eco-conscious classrooms, enhancing the spaces to be comfortable, clean and safe, and utilizing technology in the pedagogical practices. the importance of allowing the students to share their ideas and thoughts comfortably was also stated. Having smaller classes encourages this, and thereby increases the productivity of the teachers as well. Finally, the need to incorporate technology within the pedagogy to ensure that both the students and the teachers are facilitated in their learning and teaching endeavors respectively was stated. Recommendations were made to ensure that these findings were implemented at the all levels.