Examining the Benefits of Smaller Class Sizes
The common wisdom has always been that the smaller the class, the greater the academic achievement of the students. Smaller class sizes, composed of 18 students or less, provide several benefits for students, parents, and teachers. The advantage of smaller class sizes is the personal attention, it allows for a better understanding of the needs and requirements of each student. Teachers in small classes are able to individualize instruction, get to know their students better, offer quicker, more personalized feedback and create an overall positive environment in the classroom.
Additionally, smaller class sizes provide several benefits to providing instruction free of distractions. With less students, it becomes more manageable for teachers to resolve conflicts, eliminate distractions and encourage participation. This creates a positive environment for learning and improves student-teacher relationships.
From kindergarten to college
The National Council of Teacher's of English (NCTE) found that students in smaller class sizes performed higher on standardized tests and were up to two months ahead on content knowledge than their peers in larger classes.
A study by Bruhwiler and Blachford shows that the critical time for smaller class size is grades K-3. The more years in these small classes, the greater the benefit later on. The study tracked the performance of students in graded K-3 who were in small classes and found that their grades remained higher than those of students in large classes throughout their educational careers.
Studies also demonstrate that students in smaller class sizes have a higher probability of going to college. According to the NCTE, there was a 2.7% increase for the overall population of students in those classes going to college. If broken down, the increase was far higher (5.7%) for African American students and 7.3% for students judged to be from lower socio economic families.
All of these increases in student performance were enhanced by well qualified and trained teachers, who were able to take advantage of the smaller class size for the betterment of their students.
A lasting impact
Small class sizes provide a close and personal environment that allows students to receive instruction based on their individual learning styles. Students in smaller classes show increased performance, and overall greater educational success as they progress through their schooling.
At American Heritage Schools, we are cognizant of these studies and recommendations. We want to give our students every advantage we can so they have the tools and educational background to succeed in not just our program, but in the future programs (college for instance) and careers they choose to attend and work at. Every class has a well qualified teacher and trained assistant to give every student the chance to learn and grow.