Does class size matter? Educators have their say on a new study’s findings
Global News
A new study found minimizing the number of students in classrooms did not lead to better grades. But those in the field say the issue is much more complex.
Amid calls from teachers and unions that represent them for more reasonable class sizes across Canada, a new study is suggesting “smaller class sizes” may not give students a boost after all.
The study found minimizing the number of students in classrooms did not lead to better grades, and suggests it may even decrease their odds at achieving the best results. The study looked at data from Macau, China and Japan, of 2,700 “disadvantaged” secondary school students with class sizes of 15 or fewer pupils to more than 50.
It notes the quantity of teachers didn’t increase the odds for students from what they deemed the poorest backgrounds. Instead, students showing resilience and improvement was linked to the “quality” of teachers, which the study’s authors defined as those with high discipline standards and who use their expertise to improve learning.
The study also notes the negative impact misbehaviour can have in general on students.
While the study suggests small class sizes aren’t a benefit, educators say what’s needed to circumvent the issue of big classes is more supports for those teaching, so that assistance can be passed on to benefit students.
Simon Fraser University biological science senior lecturer Megan Barker, whose expertise includes teaching in large classrooms and active learning, told Global News she has taught classes as big as 500. Regardless of class size, she says having the targeted support in place for students is “crucial.”
“I could not teach in an active, evidence-based way without having the support of either TAs (teaching assistants) or, occasionally, other instructors to come in and help make it a useful, meaningful classroom where students can learn and thrive,” she said.
She added it’s more difficult to connect with students when you have a large class, so it’s about management and helping them where possible.
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