When it comes to classes, small is better

http://monash.edu/news/show/when-it-comes-to-classes-small-is-better

30 April 2014

Small classes, especially in the first four years of school, can have an important and lasting impact on student achievement, a new report shows.

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The findings suggest that smaller class sizes in the first four years of school can have a significant and lasting impact on student achievement. This appears to be especially important for children from communities that are culturally, linguistically or economically disenfranchised.

“Smaller classes in the early years can lift a child’s academic performance right through to Year 12 and even into tertiary study and employment,” Dr Zyngier said.

“It is also beneficial to have smaller numbers for specialist classes in such fields as numeracy and literacy.”

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There was also a need for a new approach to teacher development, he said.

“Currently teaching methodology is based on large classes, which call for a very different approach to teaching smaller groups,” Dr Zyngier said.

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