This paper discusses research studies concerning class size and its relation to academic achievement. It also explores whether educational benefits of smaller classes justify the additional cost and whether an optimum class size exists that maximizes educational benefits and cost effectiveness. Following a review of the literature, the paper…

A study was conducted to determine the effects of class size on the reading achievement of 517 representative Madison (Wisconsin) students in a three year longitudinal sample. Data included reading achievement, IQ, attitudes toward reading, parents' and teachers' ratings of student interest in reading, sex, age, socioeconomic status, and average…

What is actually happening in courses of different sizes and what effect (if any) is class size having on student and teacher perceptions of what occurs? Data were collected by comparing what happened in a small class with what happened in a larger class taught by the same teacher. Tables cover: (1) classes in the study; (2) variables and…

In this speech, the author examines the concern of most educators about the tendency to solve budgetary problems through increasing class size. The author agrees that class size does affect educational quality, but he suggests that other factors greatly influence quality as well. He suggests that the tendency to sacrifice nonteaching personnel in…

This document presents data on class sizes in the universities in Ontario. Four major disciplines were covered by the survey that elicited the data: humanities, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences. The data are further broken down into method of teaching, i.e., lecture, seminar, tutorial or laboratory. Each activity of each…

This article looks beyond class size to such specifics as teachers' load, subject electives available, subject load, and different class groupings in developing a flow chart that gives added understanding and control over the variables relating to the deployment of teachers. (Author/IRT)

Suggestions for counteracting the effect of large enrollments in freshman personal health care classes include alternate scheduling of large group/small group meetings and the use of taped presentations by guest speakers. (MJB)

After five decades in the classroom Lillian Blumenfeld's passion for her profession, concern for children and outspokeness on the issues are still vibrant. (Editor)

Approximately 120 children were divided by sex and randomly assigned to one of four groups which varied from one another only in size. Group size was found to affect significantly the children's performance, with one to one instruction resulting in the greatest gains. (Author)

Indiana spent more than $100 million in past three years on Prime Time, program to reduce class size in the primary grades. Data show that in classrooms with 18 to 22 students, the atmosphere is less hectic, teacher morale is higher, instruction is more individualized, and students (particularly those at risk) are better achievers. Includes five…

Responses to a poll revealed that teachers' most common professional problems were: too little time to accomplish objectives, too many nonprofessional duties, overcrowded classrooms, motivating students, lack of administrative support, lack of parental support, troubled children, and discipline. (JD)

This study examines state-to-state variations in the legality of bargaining over class size in public schools, to determine, first, whether these variations in the legal scope of bargaining bear any relationship to actual class sizes and, second, whether these variations are indirectly associated with teachers' salaries. (Author/CT)

Outlines a study of class size among first grade-students in the Metro Nashville (Tennessee) School District. This study looked at the effects of reducing class size from 1:25 to 1:15. Initial results favor the smaller size in pupil achievement. Includes two tables and an item list. (MD)

Answers certain questions regarding vocational education in northern Nigeria: What are the qualifications, teaching experience, and industrial training of the teachers in these schools? Are the schools adequately staffed? What is the nature of the curriculum? What types of equipment, including teaching aids, are available? What are the sizes of…