AN ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLASS SIZE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT
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AN ANALYSIS OF
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CLASS SIZE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY
SCHOOL STUDENT
ABSTRACT
The study
looked at the class size as it relates to academic performance of students in
Ojo Local Government of Lagos State Nigeria. The study population was total
number of students in all secondary schools in both public and private
secondary schools in the LGA of the state while a study size of 100 respondent
was randomly selected from the 4 schools in Ojo Local Government of Lagos
State. One validated instrument Students’ Class Size Questionnaire (SCSQ) was
used for data collection. Three hypothesis was formulated and answered. Data
were analysed using simple percentage. The result showed that there was
significant difference in the academic achievement of students in small and
large classes from private schools. There was also significant difference
between performances of students from public large and small classes. It was
recommended that policy makers and government should ensure thatmore classrooms
are built and number of students in a class should not be more than 30. The
Parent TeacherAssociation (PTA), philanthropist and other charitable
organizations are also implored to compliment the effort ofthe government to
boost the performance of students in SSCE by building more class rooms and buildings.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1Background
to the Study
The
relationship between class size and academic performance has been a perplexing
one for educators. Studies have found that the physical environment, ethnicity,
socioeconomics, overcrowding and teaching methods are all variables that affect
student achievement (Molnar, 2000). Other factors that affect student
achievement are school population and class size (Gentry, 2000; Swift, 2000;
Krueger and White Moore, 2007).
The issue of
poor academic performance of students in Nigeria has been of much concern to
all and sundry. The problem is so much that it adds to the widely acclaimed
fallen standard of education in Lagos state and Nigeria at large. In order to
better understand the skill levels of students, it might be necessary to
evaluate factors affecting their performance. These include: school structure
and organization, teachers’ quality, curriculum and teaching philosophy
(Driscoll, Halcoussis and Svomy, 2008).
Overtime,
students’ academic performance in both internal and external examinations had
been used to determine excellence in teachers and teaching (Ajao, 2001). As
school grows, they typically become more bureaucratic, resulting in more
formalized human relations and increased curricular specialization. Another
stand, typically conducted by economist directs attention to the potential for
increased efficiency and cost reductions as schools get bigger. Conclusions
from these two streams are not consistent. Although, the studies with an organizational
focus generally favour smaller schools, research with an economic focus tends
to suggest benefits from increased size.
Overpopulation
classrooms have increased the possibilities for at risk students, as well as
others, to lose interest in school and do poorly on test. There identifies for
specific problems regarding overcrowding, students not getting individual
attention, low reading scores, frustration and stress felt by the teachers and
the inability of students to concentrate or stay on task while in class. The
problem identified can be that teachers are unable to give individual attention
to students. Teachers’ aides are not always available and sometimes students
have to share textbooks. It can take the entire class time for students to find
seats, make sure everyone has a textbooks to look at and then explain the next
assignment. This leaves no time for individual attention to explain assignment
and answer questions. Thus, with teacher unable to help individual students,
those who need extra help in gaining or maintaining their reading skills get
left behind. They are unable to keep up the reading or in class discussions
because of many students in one class.
Overpopulation
in schools and classes is a serious problem in many schools systems,
particularly in the inner cities where space for new construction is limited.
As a result, students find themselves trying to learn while jammed into spaces
never intended as classrooms, such as libraries, gymnasiums, laboratories,
lunch rooms and even closets. Although, research on the relationship between
overcrowding and student leaving had been limited, there are some evidence
particularly in high poverty schools, that overcrowding can have adverse impact
on learning. A study of overpopulation in schools found that students in such
schools score significantly lower on both mathematics and reading exams then
did similar students in underutilized schools. In addition, when asked,
students and teachers in overpopulation schools agreed that overcrowding negatively
affects both classroom activities and instructional technologies (Krueger and
Whiteman, 2001).
Crowded
classroom conditions not only make it difficult for students to concentrate on
their lessons, but inevitably limit the amount of times teachers can spend on
innovative teaching methods such as cooperative learning and group work or on
teaching anything beyond the barest minimum of required materials. In addition,
because teachers must constantly struggle simply to maintain order in an
overpopulated classroom, the likelihood increase that they will suffer from
burn out earlier than might otherwise be the case.
Although,
there is a significantly amount of research analyzing students’ performance
(Matuga, 2009; CerezoRUssillo and Casanova Arias, 2004), there is still a need
for more concentrate test results. It is necessary to define the effects of environmental,
psychological and sociological elements. This clarity will better enable school
to provide a quality learning institution – organized and established public
domain, with a sphere of knowledge influence and activity (Meram-Webster
Dictionary).
The idea
that school population and class size might affect students’ performance is
consistence with the growing literature on the relationship between public
sector institutional arrangements and outcome. The purpose of this study is to
further examine the relationship of class size, school population and student
academic achievement.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The
performance of secondary school students in NECO, WAEC, several scholars have
proposed various factors responsible for the poor performance of students, few
research have been dedicated to the correlation between class size, school
population and academic achievement. This study therefore looks at how class
size, school population and ever population affect students’ academic performance
in secondary school.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The general
purpose of this study is to find out the relationship between class size,
school population and students’ achievement using some selected secondary
schools in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State as a case study. The
specific objectives are to:
(i) Examine the relationship
between class size and academic performance of students
(ii) Examine the relationship between
school population and academic performance of students.
(iii) Discuss the effects of
overpopulation on classroom management
(iv) Analyse the impact of
overpopulation on school resources and facilities.
1.4 Research Questions
(i) Is there any correlation
between class size and academic performance of students?
(ii) Is there any relationship between
school population and academic performance of students?
(v) Is there any relationship between
overpopulation and classroom management?
(iii) Is there any relationship between
overpopulation and school resources/facilities?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
Ho1: There is no significant relationship
between class size and academic performance of students.
Ho2: There is no significant relationship
between school population and academic performance of students.
Ho3: There is no significant relationship
between overpopulation and classroom management.
Ho4: There is no significant relationship
between overpopulation and school resources/facilities.
1.6 Scope of the Study
This
research work focuses on the relationship between class sizes, school
population and students’ achievement using some selected secondary in Ojo Local
Government Area of Lagos State as a case study. This research work cover all
secondary schools in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State. However, four
public secondary schools were used as case study.
1.7 Significance of the Study
This study
is important for several reasons. First, the findings will help teachers to
identify the reason for the academic performance of students in large classes
with high population and how they can address the problems.
Secondly, it
will provide comprehensive information for educational planners, educators and
parents on how they can assist students to cope in large classes.
Thirdly,
this research work will lead to further in-depth study on the impact of class
size and school population on the academic performance of students in Nigeria.
Lastly, it
will serve as a contribution to knowledge in the subject area. In the regard,
it will be useful for other researchers who might want to carry out research in
related areas.
1.8. Definition of Terms
Academic
Achievement: knowledge attained or skills developed in school subject by test
scores.
Secondary
School/High School: is a term used to describe an educational institution where
the final stage of schooling known as secondary education and usually
compulsory up to a specified age taken place. It follows elementary or primary
education, and may be followed by university (tertiary) education.
Overpopulation:
This is when the numbers of students in a particular class exceed the standard
of student-teacher ratio of 1:40
Research
Work: Investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation
of facts or practical application of such new or revised therein or laws.
Classroom: A
room where classes are taught in a school, college or university.
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