Private education is becoming increasingly popular among parents looking to provide their children with high-quality learning experiences. One of the key advantages of private education is the ability to offer small class sizes.
GEMS Modern Academy, located in Dubai, is a prime example of a private school that prioritises small class sizes to provide an optimal learning environment for its students. The school’s website states it has a student-teacher ratio of just 15:1, which is quite low and ideal.
This write-up will take a closer look at the top four advantages of small class sizes in private education.
1.   Improved Academic Performance
One of the most obvious advantages of small class sizes is the improvement in students’ academic performance.
A school in Texas implemented a program where the average class size was reduced from 22 to 15 students and saw an increase in student achievement on state standardised tests by 12.5%. The smaller class sizes allowed teachers to give each student more individualised attention, which led to improved academic performance.
Students in smaller classes tend to score higher on standardised tests than those in larger classes . The results of a RAND Corporation study confirm the same, finding that students in smaller classes scored higher on maths and reading tests than those in larger classes.
Students in smaller classes also tend to have higher graduation rates and are more likely to go on to post-secondary education. This may be due to a higher engagement rate and a more positive attitude towards school; research suggests that smaller class sizes can lead to increased student engagement and motivation.
2.   Increased Socialization and Interaction
When a school in New York City reduced class sizes from 25 to 15 students, it saw a significant increase in student engagement, positive interactions with their schoolmates, and a sense of community among students. The smaller class sizes allowed for more opportunities for students to interact with one another and build strong relationships.
Students in schools with smaller classes also tend to have better relationships with their teachers. The low student-to-teacher ratio means teachers have more opportunities to provide individualised instruction and students are more likely to seek help and ask questions.
A study published in the Journal of Educational Research found that teachers who taught smaller classes could provide more individualised instruction and form stronger connections with their students. This, in turn, led to better academic performance, a more positive attitude towards school and greater motivation to learn.
Thus, when a school in California reduced class sizes from 30 to 20 students, it saw an increase in student engagement and positive interactions with teachers. The smaller class sizes allowed for more one-on-one time between teachers and students, leading to improved student-teacher relationships.
In a smaller class setting, students have more chances to participate in class discussions and receive individualised attention from their teachers. In this dynamic and interactive learning environment, students can feel more comfortable asking questions and expressing their ideas.
3.   Reduced Student Behavioural Issues
A study by the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students in smaller classes tend to have fewer behaviour problems, are less likely to be suspended, and are more likely to follow classroom rules.
In a separate study, the National Center for Education Research found that students in smaller classes were less likely to be involved in disciplinary incidents.
Empirical evidence supports these findings. When a school in Florida reduced class sizes from 25 to 15 students, it saw a decrease in student disciplinary referrals and an improvement in overall classroom behaviour.
Teachers can provide more individualised attention to each student in smaller classes, and this can lead to improvements in behaviour. In such a setting, teachers can address behavioural issues more effectively. They can also monitor students more closely and intervene when necessary.
The fact that students also have more opportunities to interact and form positive relationships with their peers also contributes to better social skills and experiences. Indeed, a study published in the Journal of School Psychology found that students in smaller classes had better social skills and fewer behavioural problems.
Overall, small class sizes can lead to reduced student behavioural issues because they ensure individualised attention, foster positive interactions and relationships, and create a comfortable learning environment and more positive and productive learning experiences.
4.   Greater Curriculum Flexibility and Adaptability
By providing a more personalised learning experience, more freedom to experiment with different teaching methods and adapt instruction to suit the individual needs of students, and greater flexibility in pacing instruction, small class sizes ensure curriculum flexibility and adaptability.
Classes with fewer students offer a more personalised learning experience because teachers can tailor instruction to the unique needs of each student.
Moreover, smaller class sizes also provide teachers with more flexibility in terms of curriculum design.
In a larger class, it can be challenging to accommodate the diverse needs and learning styles of all students. However, with fewer students, teachers have more freedom to experiment with different teaching methods and adapt their instruction to suit the individual needs of their students.
Additionally, smaller class sizes lead to greater flexibility in terms of the pacing of instruction. In a larger class, it can be challenging to ensure that all students have a good understanding of the material before moving on to the next lesson. However, in a smaller class setting, teachers have more time to ensure that each student has a good grasp of the material before moving on.
The Smaller, the Better
Small class sizes offer students a wide range of advantages, including improved academic performance, better relationships with their peers and teachers, reduced student behavioural issues, and greater flexibility and adaptability in the curriculum.
If you want these advantages for your children, choose a private school that guarantees small class sizes.