Studies show that the size of a classroom can affect student performance.  Schools only have so much funding and only so many classrooms they can utilize. There has been much discussion in the news, in schools amongst teachers and at school board meetings with administrators as of late.  Parents are also concerned about this topic and whether classroom size will affect their child’s learning process.

Many factors affect a child’s learning process, not only the classroom size.  Teaching methods, the way a particular child absorbs information and their style of learning are important factors.  

Teachers with large classes often tend to spend more time on discipline while smaller classes allow teachers to focus on their students’ learning. With smaller classes, teachers can provide more individual one-on-one assistance. Some educational studies show that classrooms with 13 to 17 students learned more easily and achieved better results than classrooms with 22 to 25 students. Some students in these larger classes tended to fall behind. Many studies indicate that the ideal class is 15 students. There is a huge difference in teaching ability with a teacher who has 15 students or one who has 25 students in their classroom.

Across Canada, the average size of a secondary school class in Saskatchewan is 22.6 with a larger number of 30.1 in Quebec. Average classes are 24.8 in Ontario and 25.4 in British Columbia.

Younger students in primary school seem to thrive better when numbers are lower. Perhaps it has something to do with the student’s age and ability to concentrate or absorb. In one study, students who experienced small classes and who completed high school were more likely to complete college-entrance exams. Effects were even more evident with less affluent and minority students.

To date, evidence shows that smaller classes are beneficial and more conducive for primary grade students when it comes to learning, in particular for minority and low-achieving students. Perhaps dropping the number of students in primary grades should be considered by school boards. Further studies on classroom size may conclude that a smaller class, especially in primary grades is the pathway future education should take.