Enhancing Educational Outcomes: Investigating the Impact of Class Size

Bc. Petra Slavíková

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, the ongoing discourse surrounding class size and its implications for student learning outcomes and teacher effectiveness remains a focal point of scholarly inquiry. Extensive re-search has highlighted the potential benefits of smaller class sizes, ranging from improvements in student behaviour to enhanced teacher-student interactions and positive academic performance. This thesis seeks to delve deeper into the empirical evidence supporting the advantages of small class sizes, drawing insights from both existing literature and firsthand experiences of educators. This study aims to contribute to a deeper comprehension of the varied benefits associated with smaller class environments by examining the effects of small class sizes on teacher abilities, encouraging meaningful teacher-student interactions, promoting student engagement, and ultimately influencing academic achievement. Through a comprehensive review of existing research and the collection of qualitative and quantitative data from both teachers and students, this thesis aims to shed light on the practical implications for optimizing classroom dynamics in pursuit of improved educational outcomes.

Abstract:

As the landscape of education continues to evolve, the ongoing discourse sur-rounding class size and its implications for student learning outcomes and teacher effectiveness remains a focal point of scholarly inquiry. Extensive re-search has highlighted the potential benefits of smaller class sizes, ranging from improvements in student behaviour to enhanced teacher-student interactions and positive academic performance. This thesis seeks to delve deeper into the em-pirical evidence supporting the advantages of small class sizes, drawing insights from both existing literature and firsthand experiences of educators. This study aims to contribute to a deeper comprehension of the varied benefits associated with smaller class environments by examining the effects of small class sizes on teacher abilities, encouraging meaningful teacher-student interactions, promoting student engagement, and ultimately influencing academic achievement. Through a comprehensive review of existing research and the collection of qualitative and quantitative data from both teachers and students, this thesis aims to shed light on the practical implications for optimizing classroom dynamics in pursuit of improved educational outcomes.

Keywords

Small class sizes, teacher-student interaction, feedback, teaching methods and approaches, classroom management, motivation, engagement, discipline, behaviour, learning outcomes, positive impact, personal growth, academic performance

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 22. 4. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 19. 6. 2024
• Supervisor: M.A. Ailsa Marion Randall
• Reader: Mgr. Bc. Michaela Sojková Šamalová, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Education

Bachelor programme / field:
English Language for Education / English Language for Education