Exploring the Effect of Class Size/Seating on Classroom Learning
Introduction
By
Emily Fierros (graduate student)
Nora Lamas (graduate student)
Dengting Boyanton (Instructor)
EDCI 6304 Learning & Cognition
Learning is a complex process that involves not just memorizing facts but applying these concepts into real life situations. There is a debate among politicians, teachers, parents, and students on how to create a learning environment where all students can reach their full potential (Wyss, 2007). Class size refers to the total number of students in a classroom in which the teacher is in charge of (Achilles, 2002).
The issue that has been in debate is on how big a class size should be in order to maximize student classroom learning. Class size affects student learning because the teacher must provide instruction to all students and with a full classroom, sometimes that is very hard to achieve. A classroom full of children makes it much more difficult for the teacher to reach every student. When the classroom meets teacher-student ratio, or the enrollment number is lower than the ratio, the teacher is more able to concentrate on the students and better serve their needs.
Seating arrangement may not seem to be a big factor but until you are in the classroom you will know exactly how it affects learning. Some children may be reluctant to say whether they can see the board, are hot/cold in seat that they are in. Some children may prefer working individually than in cooperative groups. The lightning in one area may be brighter than others, or it may just be too bright for one student. All these factors need to be considered considering the effect of class size/seating on student learning.
Numerous studies have shown that smaller classes have less discipline problems, spend more time engaging in learning tasks, receive more teacher attention, and are more active participants in the class (Deutsch, 2003). Achilles (2003) observed the classroom behavior of 63 math teachers and found that teachers interacted more with students in a smaller-size class (less than twenty students), asked more questions, and developed a closer student-teacher relationship (Achilles, 2003).
Another study conducted by Wyss (2007) surveyed 8178 college students enrolled in a first-year science class. The main objectives were to determine 1) whether teacher methods employed in the classroom change due to the class size; and 2) how the size of their high school classes influence these students’ success in college. The results revealed that classes with more than thirty students had more lecturing and less group work in comparison with smaller-size classes with less than ten students. Also, peer tutoring was more frequently used in the smaller classes (Wyss, 2007).
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether class size and seating affects student classroom learning. Specifically we try to answer the following four questions:
1. When are the problems with large-size class?
2. What are the benefits of small-size class?
3. What are the different types of seating arrangements?
4. How do these seating arrangements affect student classroom learning?
To read more on Class Size & Learning:
Greetings from the editor
Class size & Learning: Where do I sit? How do I le...
Class size & Learning: Problems of Larger-Size Cla...
Class size & Learning: Benefits of Smaller-Size Cl...
Class size & Learning: Seating Arrangement
Class size & Learning: Tips and Suggestions
Class size & Learning: Questions unanswered
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