Do Smaller Class Sizes Lead To Better Educational Outcomes?

Any parent who had to facilitate remote learning during the pandemic will know just how hard it is to teach one or two kids. Now imagine you’ve got over 20 - that’s what many teachers are dealing with every day.

While teachers are well qualified and given lots of techniques to help achieve learning in larger groups, it does beg the question, would students achieve better outcomes if they had more personalised learning? And, if so, how can you ensure your child is getting the most support throughout their education?

Class Sizes In Australia

In Australia, average class sizes vary from state to state, as well as between public, private and catholic schools. And while they have marginally decreased over the last decade, they’re still larger than the OECD average. This is one of the key reasons parents opt to place their children in private schools, as the class sizes are often smaller.

Both primary and high schools across Australia have an average of around 24 students per class, while the OECD average sits at around 21. However, some areas are seeing class sizes grow higher than 24, as population growth explodes in popular or affordable suburbs. When demand climbs faster than hiring and school expansion plans, the result is often an increase in class sizes. On the other hand, private school classes can be as low as 16-19 students.

Does Class Size Matter?

​Class size has long been a topic of discussion among educators, parents, and even policymakers, all keen to understand its impact on student learning outcomes. The central question is whether reducing class sizes enhances educational quality and student achievement.

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Studies around Australia and the world have looked at class sizes and the impact on academic results, with differing results that show that there are many nuances and variables involved. 

Positive Impacts of Smaller Class Sizes

Several studies suggest that smaller class sizes can lead to improved student outcomes, particularly in the early years of education. One of the most comprehensive studies is Tennessee's Project STAR (Student-Teacher Achievement Ratio), which compared outcomes for those in smaller vs. larger classes. The age groups represented students from kindergarten through third grade, and findings indicated that students in smaller classes performed better academically - and that these benefits persisted over time.

Similar research in Australian schools has shown that smaller student-teacher ratios contribute to more individualised support, enhancing student success. 

Beyond academic achievement, class size can influence other aspects of schooling. Smaller classes have been associated with reduced disciplinary issues, as teachers can more effectively manage classroom behaviour and engage students. Additionally, parents in smaller classes often report higher satisfaction with their children's education and are more likely to engage with teachers, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Some studies have found that the benefits of smaller classes are not uniform across all educational contexts or age groups. Moreover, the mere reduction of class size does not automatically guarantee improved learning outcomes. Factors such as teaching quality, curriculum design, and resource availability play crucial roles.

How To Give Your Child More Personalised Support

Class size isn’t the only factor that impacts academic outcomes, it’s clear that students can benefit from more personalised learning and attention. Year to year, parents and students have little control over the amount of individual attention teachers can provide them. This is one of the leading reasons that families seek out online tutors - to give the personalised support that might not be available in the classroom.

Unlike a teacher stretched thin across 20+ students, a tutor can focus entirely on one student, adapting their teaching style to suit that student’s learning pace and strengths. Whether it’s a primary school tutor to help with reading, a high school tutor for complex math support, or HSC private tutoring for exam preparation, tutoring can target specific areas of difficulty. 

Tutors can also offer valuable feedback, helping students gain confidence and reinforcing the concepts they’re learning in class. This one-on-one attention allows students to ask questions freely and revisit topics they may not fully understand. In both primary and high school, tutoring fills in the gaps and helps students develop a deeper understanding of their studies, ultimately leading to better academic outcomes and a more positive learning experience.

Private Tutoring Support In Sydney

If you’re looking to provide your child with more academic support, Little Geniuses offer personalised online tutoring developed in line with your child’s education level, learning style and goals. Whether your child needs help to catch up with their peers, prepare for final exams or anything in between, our tutors can provide one-on-one and proven teaching methods to help them achieve their academic goals.