Teachers' Perception on Class Size in the Delivery of Instruction in Sto. Tomas North Central School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Class size is one factor to consider when evaluating a school's effectiveness. It has been found out that there is a greater opportunity for individual interaction between student and teacher in a small class. Based on Department of Education Order no. 21 s.2006 on the Guidelines for the Organization of Classes, it is stated that ideal class size shall range from a minimum of 15 pupils/students to a maximum of 65 pupils/students per class.

METHODS

Sixty-six (66) teachers across Kinder to Grade Six were included in this study. Using focus group discussion, they were informed of the conduct of the interview, including the research questions. Voice recording of their replies were done one at a time. Narrative Texts were transcribed, translated in English and were assigned with a specific text code.

RESULTS

Among these factors, enrollees/enrollment have the highest tally at 22 whereas dropouts, curriculum, instructional materials, quality education, policy implementation and learner participation are the least factors affecting class size at 1. On teachers' perception with class size towards the delivery of instruction, the number of learners has the highest tally at 24 whereas academic achievement, instructional materials, time management, stress, teachers, good education, facilities and quality of learning have the lowest tally at 1. On contribution of class size in the delivery of instruction, the number of learners has the highest tally at 21 where teachers, policy and quality education have the lowest tally at 1.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrated that due to enrollment turn out it has become a deciding factor whether to increase the number of learners per class or request for teachers and facilities to comply with class size. The bigger the class size, the harder to manage the class because of varied activities that needs to address and the time to accomplish those activities as complied with the recent curriculum. It was found out that reducing the class size will benefit better academic achievement and teacher performance in the teaching-learning process.