The effects of class size and whether it has any significance on students’ performance has consistently been a very commonly researched and controversial topic within the education system. Do class sizes really affect student success? Smaller class sizes allow students to build stronger relationships and become closer to their peers. On the other hand, some say that the bigger the class size, the more opinions and ideas students have to share and learn from. The majority of educators are in favor of smaller classes as mentioned in the article written by explaining how it gives them the opportunity to provide individualized support to each and every student. It’s less stressful for both students and teachers. With smaller class sizes, students can ask each other questions with ease without feeling hesitant in front of a large group of classmates. Ultimately, a smaller class results in a closer connection with their peers which can prove to be beneficial for both their performance and mental health.
Personally, I prefer to have smaller class sizes because it allows me to focus without feeling overwhelmed with the number of students in the classroom that are asking questions. As mentioned by NEA, teachers agree that smaller class sizes allow for more in-depth lessons and more hands-on learning which can prove to be beneficial to students. Educators can help students reach their fullest potential without having the stress of a multitude of students raising their hands. Whereas, with bigger classes, it’s difficult for teachers to provide individualized support for each student. From my own experience, I took an economics remote course last semester with around 160 students. It was extremely difficult for me to get to know everyone in the class and we didn’t have much interaction despite the use of breakout rooms. I believe that it’s also hard for teachers to get to know every student in such a large group. I recall a time during high school in one of my English classes where there weren’t even enough desks for the number of students that were in the classroom. With decreasing class sizes comes the changes that must be implemented. Reducing class sizes would mean that teachers have the chance to observe each and every student, meet their individual needs, and address any concerns. Students would have more chances to participate and make their voices heard.
Without reducing class sizes, I still don’t feel comfortable sharing my opinion in class. In the past years during high school, despite knowing the answers to the questions that my teachers asked, I didn’t feel comfortable sharing my opinion in front of the large group of students in front of me. Perhaps it was because we hadn’t connected with one another. Similar to me, some of my friends also felt nervous while working in a group.
It’s so important to make friends, especially in this day and time during the COVID pandemic. We all need to support each other in adjusting back to in-person learning and smaller class sizes will allow for a smooth transition. Small class sizes are a way to provide support for students with public-speaking anxiety, allowing them to slowly feel comfortable participating. By reducing class sizes, shy students can overcome their fear of public-speaking. Class sizes are a big part of students’ performance and their ability to grow in the classroom. Children deserve a better education. Their futures depend on it!