This paper explores mathematics teachers' perceptions about class size and the impact class size has on teaching and learning in secondary mathematics classrooms. It seeks to understand teachers' views about optimal class sizes and their thoughts about the education variables that influence these views. The paper draws on questionnaire responses…

This paper describes changes which took place in 37 Hong Kong primary schools where class sizes were reduced from 38 to between 20 and 25. Chinese, English and mathematics classes were observed over three years from Primary 1 (aged 6) to Primary 3. For 75% of observations no child was the focus of the teacher's attention in large classes. Reducing…

Research on class size during the past decade indicates that dramatically smaller classes significantly improve student performance, do not encourage adoption of drastically different teaching methods, and lead to increased student-teacher contact. Other research suggests techniques for working with small groups and for reorganizing school…

A survey with open-ended questions investigated the attitudes of 54 urban Chinese teachers about issues related to the functions and benefits of having small classes (for both teachers and students). Findings indicated that most of the urban Chinese teachers preferred teaching small classes. While they perceived small class size as a beneficial…

A federal grant enabled the Tacoma (Washington) school district to hire additional first-grade teachers, provide ongoing staff development, and encourage teacher collaboration. In smaller classes, children are more focused, get the attention they need, and present fewer discipline problems. Relationships with parents have also improved. A sidebar…