Once your child reaches school age, consider schools that offer small class sizes.
Small classes provide a tight community with other students and allow teachers to fully focus on the best teaching experience, but are more advantages. Check out the list of other benefits of small class sizes that will help your child achieve success.
How Small Is a Small Class?
By definition, small classes in elementary schools usually have fewer than 20 students. However, there is a certain vagueness about the specific number of students which defines a small class. Researchers often use different strategies in assigning a class size number.
There is an important relationship between class size and teacher workload. The main goal of small classes is to help your child get the most out of their education.
Should Class Sizes Really Be Smaller?
Data shows that students who attend smaller classes perform better when compared to students who learn in larger classes. It often happens that students in small class sizes are ahead of their peers from larger classes in terms of content knowledge.
To answer the question, are smaller class sizes better – yes. Smaller classes provide the ultimate learning experience to your child, place them above their peers who attend large class groups, and improve academic success.
Why Small Class Sizes Are Better?
There are several reasons small classes are better. Check them out below.
- Improved engagement and performance
Small classes boost academic performance by improving student engagement. Students are more open to discussing the matter in small classes and are more likely to interact with the teacher by asking and answering questions. - Deeper teacher-student relationship
Additionally, small class size and its effects maintain better student-teacher relationships. Students receive one-on-one treatment and teachers get to recognize and enhance the students’ strengths.This leads to improved evaluations for both the teacher and the student. Since teachers are closer to their kids, they can also keep a better track of students’ learning and respond better to the kids’ needs.
- Students know each other better
Besides building a great connection to their teacher, one of the top advantages of small class sizes is that the students get to know one another better. Better connections between peers also mean improved academic success, as they can empower and help each other grow. - Fewer chances for class interruption
Furthermore, other benefits of small class sizes are less interruption during teaching and reduced noise. This helps teachers focus their energy on instructions and lessons, and keep less attention on discipline. In this kind of environment, students find it easy to remain focused on their tasks. - Benefits are seen in adulthood
Surprisingly, the small class sizes benefits extend well into the adult life of your child. It’s proven that reducing class size positively affects many socioeconomic factors, such as:
- Earning potential
- Citizenship
- (Reduced) crime tendencies
- Increased chances of attending college
- Welfare dependency
- Teachers can be more creative
When the class is smaller the teachers can take the time to implement better teaching tactics. For example, they can focus on practicing handwriting, brainstorming, brain-sketching, concept mapping, and other creative techniques to better engage their students and instill long-lasting knowledge. - Small class sizes help introverted students
When the class is smaller and the teacher can address the needs of each student, introverted students feel more appreciated. They may get a sense that the teacher actually cares for them.
Schools with small class sizes often ensure that everyone is participating, yet there’s less pressure on the introverted student as there are not many peers around them to make them uncomfortable. Since smaller classes are more intimate, there are higher chances for introverted students to flourish.
Final Word
Small class sizes bring multiple benefits to your child. These types of classes help both kids and teachers focus on the lessons at hand. What’s more, small classes are ideal for introverted students. Finally, the benefits of small classes will follow your child well into their adult years, improving their life in more ways than one.
This is why Seashore Academy averages 15:1 students per teacher. We are committed to maintaining small class sizes for the ultimate learning experience. See our About Us section for more.
