Does class size really matter? Looking at the link between numbers and learning
New research challenges the assumption that smaller classes automatically lead to better learning.
Picture: © paylessimages/123rf.com
CapeTalk's John Maytham is joined by Dr Mark Potterton, Principal of Sacred Heart Primary School and Director of the Three2Six Refugee Children’s Education Project.
Listen below:
It has long been considered that when it comes to education, small class sizes are good, large class sizes... well, not so good.
Yet shrinking classrooms remain one of education's most complex and costly challenges.
It's an issue Potterton delves into in his recent Daily Maverick article, "Class size and pupil performance — why the debate is complex, and how we could fix it."
He suggests that, where it is impossible to reduce class sizes, techniques can be employed to create an environment conducive to learning.
(Scroll up to audio player to listen to the conversation from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham.)
ALSO READ: Nearly half of South Africa's teachers want to quit within the next 10 years – study
"I do make the argument that the large class size has less impact when the children are older."
- Dr Mark Potterton, Principal - Sacred Heart Primary School
And what about schools where younger children are being taught in classes of 40, 50, or even more than 60 other students?
"You can teach people how to deal with bigger classes. How to group classes into smaller groups and to use peer teaching and those kinds of strategies."
Dr Mark Potterton, Principal - Sacred Heart Primary School
The issue often comes down to teacher training, suggests Potterton.
"Professional development and providing teachers with those kinds of skills is important, and I'm not sure our teaching training does prepare people for [large class sizes].
- Dr Mark Potterton, Principal - Sacred Heart Primary School
"Where there is good school management and order in the school and not a chaotic environment, learning can happen."
- Dr Mark Potterton, Principal - Sacred Heart Primary School
Click here to read Dr Potterton's article.
ALSO READ: JHB school celebrates success of cellphone-free trial