Why Do Class Size Matter

Class Size Matters In many public schools within the United States of America, many students aren’t receiving enough attention in class because the classes are over-crowded. There are many researches that prove the smaller the classroom the more students are able to learn. Class size is very important. If there are crowded classrooms the teacher will not have much time to make sure each student is up to date. There are many benefits to having small classes. Students will have more individual time with the teacher. Today, many classes are overcrowded. Students are in classrooms with thirty or more other students. Sometimes students don’t even have a table because of the lack of the space within classrooms. There are also some students who don’t pay attention and distract the class, these students interrupt the class and delay learning. This other delays the learning of others within the classroom. If the classroom was smaller the teacher would be able to control the students and the teacher would have more time to talk to them individually. There is a STAR project in Tennessee which provides each classroom with 13-17 students. This
number of student is a good amount because not only are there less distractions within the class, but also if one student has a question the teacher can go into detail with that student. The teacher might even have time to hold a study session for those who need it. The STAR project was evaluated and concluded with the students having a higher income when they reached into adulthood. Also, there were more students attending college when they were involved within the STAR project. Many students with overcrowded classrooms have to attend after school tutoring or even give up their lunch period to have tutoring.
These tutoring sessions are usually small which can help support the idea that smaller classrooms are an advantage for students. The small tutoring sessions provides those who are having trouble in a particular session better understand the topic. The tutor is able to have a one on one session or a group session. However, those who don’t have the time to go to tutoring sessions can fall behind in class work. When a student falls behind and sees all the other classmates advancing the student might lose hope. The teacher also might not be able to tell the child is behind until they fail an exam and it will be too late to explain when the class would be moving onto something
else. When teachers check the homework of their students, there is an advantage within the smaller classrooms because the teacher will have time to explain any errors. Unlike in overcrowded classrooms the teacher will only check that the homework is done and won’t have time to check for mistakes. In smaller classrooms the students will feel more comfortable with each other and could even ask each other for help. Therefore, they can even create their own study groups for exams, quizzes or homework. Overcrowding classrooms also means more work is piled onto the one teacher. The teacher will have to teach a class of thirty or more students, which means grading thirty or more exams and homework. Within smaller classrooms the teacher would have less exams and homework to grade which means the teacher is able to put more effort into every exam and homework. Instead of having to rush in order grade all the paperwork in time. This also means there are more job opportunities for teachers because there will be less students with one teacher. With more opportunities it opens up many doors for the ones graduating with an education major. According to newsok.com, the students in smaller classes behaved better and were more focused in school. In the article the researcher states, “Small class sizes are good for students.” The smaller classes are able to learn from their teacher who gives each child more attention. The students are also able to discuss more which can help them be more social. Smaller classes will result in more students going into college and earning high grades. With a degree the students will be able to earn money and live without having to struggle for money or food. Smaller classes are important because it helps students better understand any topic they might be stuck on. If we want to see a better future we have to start looking into the youngest generation and prepare them to make their generation better. With education and knowledge they will be able to become successful.