The Effect of Large and Small Class Size in Compulsory Education in China

Abstract

This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of a large class and a small class of the compulsory education stage by summarizing the literature in China and abroad. The paper concludes past international and domestic studies, such as the STAR project in the United States, and studies of class size since 2000 to the present in other countries and China, the impact of teachers and schools, and what conditions apply to large small classes. By analyzing the effects of large and small class sizes on students, teachers, and schools, generally speaking, small class teaching helps cultivate students’ personalities. Students can communicate with teachers effectively, with an improvement in teaching efficiency. However, the popularization of small class teaching needs a lot of financial and personnel support. Alternatively, in large class teaching, building a good learning atmosphere can make students cooperate. The disadvantage of large class teaching is the low participation of students; too many students will lead to increasing pressure on teachers. The paper sums up that whether large or small class teaching, according to different circumstances, using flexibility will positively affect students. On the contrary, if the classroom size is not suitable, it could negatively influence.