Teachers from around the nation who teach in smaller classes report the benefits of having fewer students in their classrooms. Overwhelmingly, they observe the following characteristics of smaller classes:
Within the curriculum, teachers...
- find that learning can take on more variety, breadth, depth, and richness.
- have more time for covering additional material and use more supplementary texts and enrichment activities.
When instructing, teachers...
- have a better handle on teaching materials, more organization, and more forms of creative instruction.
- have more opportunity for indepth teaching of basic content.
- use concrete materials to engage students in authentic learning experiences.
- have more opportunities for individualized interaction with students.
- complete basic instruction more quickly as students participate more and spend more time on task.
- devote more time to instruction and have to spend less time on classroom management.
While assessing, teachers...
- can use meaningful assessment tools.
- spend less time on paperwork and grading.
While in a smaller class, teachers...
- experience a greater sense of personal satisfaction.
- feel a greater sense of achievement.
- enjoy teaching more.
- deal more individually with misbehavior problems and diagnose causes before major problems occur.
Overall, both students and teachers have better attitudes toward smaller classes. The atmosphere is one of less anxiety and tension. Studies of smaller classrooms have found a climate of warmth, reduced levels of frustration, and positive attitudes toward teaching and learning.
