English Didactics

Do English classes need to be small in size and homogenous to allow effective learning?

It is often thought by our population that the smaller the groups the better the students learn, size might help, but does it really help in every way of the learning process? That is one big question that we must ask ourselves when talking about size and homogeneity of the class.

Small classes really involve students into learning; small classes surround students with attention, every student learn in a different way, so the teacher can take all the time he needs to present the material being taught in a variety of ways appropriate to his/her small class of students. That is much more difficult to do with a large class.

Reducing class size, especially in low grades, is one of the few strategies shown to increase learning. Studies have demonstrated that students who were assigned to smaller classes in kinder garden grades did way better in every way that could be measured; they scored higher on tests and received better grades, as well as showed better attendance. The benefits of class size reduction in the early grades last throughout the student's educational career. Studies have shown that in 4th, 6th, and 8th grade, students who attended smaller classes in the early grades were significantly ahead of their regular class peers in all subjects. In high school, students who had been in smaller classes had significantly lower drop-out rates, higher grades, and received better results on their college entrance exams. Surveys of educators believe that class size reduction is the most effective method to improve the quality of teaching. When secondary students are placed in smaller classes, much greater time is spent “on task” and focused on learning, with special benefits for students who show difficulties and far lower rates of negative behavior.

Very few teachers enjoy managing a large class. It is not easy to manage 25 or 35 students of any age in any situation, behavior problems in a small class are more an exception and not the rule but behavior problems in a large group of students of any age are often and can quickly escalate out of control.

Students learn more when classes are small in size; they learn faster and quickly develop confidence to express their ideas and opinions without fear of being reject by their classmates, also small classes help create a climate which is more appropriate for learning.

Small class sizes impact how children interact with each other. Small classes allow students the chance to really develop closeness and a cooperative spirit.

A small class is generally more homogenous and unified in spirit and ideas, small classes help a student really get to know his/her classmates. When a student knows and understands his/her classmates, the class itself allows him/her to develop lasting friendships.

One of the most common figures in small size classrooms is the cooperative learning method where each student is responsible for the group success. To ensure

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