Poll shows small classes yield better academic performance

By Yomiuri Shimbun

Pupils studying in classes of 20 students or less at public primary and middle schools showed better academic performance, created a better classroom atmosphere and developed better relationships with teachers, according to the findings of a recent survey.

The survey, conducted by the National Institute for Educational Policy Research, was the first of its kind in the country to compare academic abilities of students based on class size.

In light of the benefits of 20-student classes revealed in the survey, the Education, Science and Technology Ministry said it will speed up its ongoing plan to offer smaller classes in basic academic subjects.

The institute divided schools into five categories based on the number of students per classroom--20 or below; 21-25; 26-30; 31-35; and 36-40, and selected 680 schools, or 170 primary schools and 170 middle schools for each of the two subjects--science and mathematics.

About 3,000 fifth-grade primary school students and about 3,900 second-grade middle school students at the selected schools were asked to solve questions in the two subjects.

According to the survey, students in classes with 20 or fewer students attained higher average scores in both subjects than students in other categories both at primary and middle schools.

For example, fifth-grade primary school students in classes of 20 or fewer scored an average of 10.11 points in a 15-point arithmetic test compared with the overall average of 9.72 points.

Their scores were the best in all types of questions that gauged students' knowledge and understanding and ability to use knowledge in practice.

In particular, there was a clear gap in academic capability between students in classes of 20 or fewer students and those in classes with 21 to 25 students.

In addition, more of the student in the classes of 20 or fewer said they enjoyed studying.

The research team said that the students in classes of 20 or fewer also developed a desirable attitude toward learning as many said that they would study very hard even when they work on difficult subjects.

Sourced from: The Yomiuri Shimbun