ERIC Number: EJ734280
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Aug
Pages: 14
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0663
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Teachers' and Pupils' Behavior in Large and Small Classes: A Systematic Observation Study of Pupils Aged 10 and 11 Years
Blatchford, Peter; Bassett, Paul; Brown, Penelope
Journal of Educational Psychology, v97 n3 p454-467 Aug 2005
The authors examined class size effects on teacher-pupil interactions, pupil engagement, and pupil-pupil interaction. They extended previous research by recognizing the hierarchical nature of observation data and the possible influence of other variables. The study used a time sampling method involving 257 children (aged 10-11 years) in 16 small (25 or under) and 26 large (31 and over) classes. In small classes, there were more individualized task-related contacts between teacher and pupils and a more active role for pupils. These results confirmed those from earlier research on children aged 4 and 5 years. Against expectation, class size did not affect pupil on-task behavior or peer interaction. There was a moderating role for school subject and a beneficial effect of teaching assistants.
Descriptors: Small Classes, Observation, Interaction, Teaching Assistants, Class Size, Teacher Behavior, Student Behavior, Teacher Student Relationship, Preadolescents, Time on Task, Case Studies, Peer Relationship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A