Does Class Size Affect Learning Outcomes?

Learning is a crucial process for students as it acts as a changing factor in their lives. The process, therefore, requires ample time and proper concentration for the successful occurrence. Class size is a factor to be considered when effective learning is desired. It can, therefore, affect learning outcomes either positively or negatively given that other factors are constant. This paper looks at how the size of a class can influence the learning outcomes if not regulated to the standard size recommended. It can, therefore, be said that class size affects the outcomes of learning because it influences the concentration of the students, determines attention given by the teacher to students and influences healthy learning.

How class size affects the concentration of students

The essence of classrooms is to provide the right environment for the students to get learning content. Additionally, the size of the class and the student load (total number of students taught in a class at any given time) contribute to the understanding of the learning content (Monks, Schmidt, 15). The ideal classroom size requires that all the students are able to effectively interact with their teacher at any time. If the class is too big than the ideal size, the level of concentration of the students especially those who are at the back is reduced. The reason for this is that the voice projection of the teacher might be inaudible and unclear. Secondly, there is a risk of interference and destruction from the learning and all these amounts to reduced concentration.

How class size affects attention of teachers to students

An ideal class size allows for the teacher to effectively provide the required attention to the students he or she is teaching. It, therefore, improves learner-centered learning which has been proved to be effective. However, a big class size does the opposite. A teacher handling more students that the recommended size will not get effective because he or she will provide little attention to each and therefore compromise effective learning as facilitated by proper attention from the teachers (Class Size Reduction Research).

How class size influences healthy learning

A healthy environment in the classroom context comprises of good spacing and proper ventilation that is facilitated by an ideal number of students in a classroom at any given time. In case the students exceed the required number there is a risk of congestion that will make the air circulation in the class to be compromised leading to breathing issues that in turn affect effective learning (Biddle and Berliner, 76). On the other hand, the cramping of students in a small classroom poses physical injury that may lead to their learning being greatly affected.

In conclusion, it can be said that the class size has an immense effect on the learning outcomes. The further it deviates from the ideal size, the worse it affects the learning outcomes and vise verse. From the discussion it has been proved that ideal classroom size is very effective in ensuring that the learning outcomes are achieved appropriately. Otherwise, the process will be compromised and the outcomes as well will be negatively affected. The main areas that class size influences are a concentration of the students, attention given by the teacher to students and healthy learning or the students. Addressing the issue of classroom size in relation to the number of students will, therefore, improve the learning outcomes.