THE EFFECT OF CLASS SIZE ON PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Pages
Title Page – – – – – – – – – i
Declaration – – – – – – – ii
Approval Page – – – – – – – – – iii
Dedication – – – – – – – – – iv
Acknowledgement – – – – – – – v
Table of Content – – – – – – – – iv
Abstract – – – – – – – – – vii

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study – – – – – 1-2
1.2 Statement of the Problem – – – – – 2
1.3 Purpose of the Study – – – – – – 3
1.4 Significance of the Study – – – – – 4
1.5 Hypothesis – – – – – – – – 4
1.6 Research Questions – – – – – – 5
1.7 Scope of the Study – – – – – – 6
1.8 Definition of Terms – – – – – – 6

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.0 Introduction – – – – – – – 7
2.1 Concept of Class Size – – – – – – 7
2.2 Forms of Class Sizes – – – – – – 8
2.3 Factors Responsible for Large Class Size – – – 8
2.4 Some prose effects on small class size – – – 8
2.5 Relationship between Class Size and Pupils Academic
Performance – – – – – – – – 9
2.6 Large Class Size versus Small Class size – – – 11
2.7 Advantages of Reducing Class Size – – – – 14
2.8 The Effect of Large Class Size on Pupils’ Academic
Achievement – – – – – – – 15
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design – – – – – – – 16
3.2 Population of Study – – – – – – – 16
3.3 Sample of the Study – – – – – – – 16
3.4 Sampling Technique – – – – – – 17
3.5 Instrument for Data Collection – – – – – 19
3.6 Description of Instrument – – – – – – 20
3.7 Validity of Instrument – – – – – – 21
3.8 Procedure for Data Collection – – – – – 21
3.9 Method of Data Analysis – – – – – – 21

CHAPTER FOUR
ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
4.1. Presentation of Results – – – – – – 23
4.2. Test of Hypothesis – – – – — – – 36

CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Summary – – – – – — – – 38
5.2 Conclusion – – – – – — – 39
5.3 Recommendations – – – – – – – 39
5.4. Suggestions for Further Research – – – – 40
References – – – – – – – – 41
Appendices – – – – – – – – 42-50

ABSTRACT
This research was carried out to determine the effects of class size on primary school pupils’ academic achievement in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. A total of 65 teachers teaching in large class size and 35 teachers of small class size were randomly sampled within the set criteria. The following findings were made, there are inadequate number of teachers in the field, the classrooms are not adequate for pupils, large class size contributes to a decrease in public benefits more from small class size than those of large class sizes, grading of pupils in small classes is more easier than large class size. Consequently, it was recommended that government should build more classrooms to take care of the pupils’ population. Parents should through parents’ teachers association (PTA) or school management committees build more class rooms.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the Study
Primary education is the foundation for all formal education. Hence, it is the key to the success or failure of the education system. According to the National Policy on Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004), primary education is referred to as education given in an institution for children of ages 6-11 years and above.
This study was carried out in an attempt to identify the effects of class size on pupils’ academic achievement. Class size is regarded as the number of students in a given class. It is categorized in to two namely: small class size and large class size. Small class size is the class of not more than 20 pupils while large class size is of more than 20 pupils.
Most teaches agree that teaching a small group of students is easier, more enjoyable and less time consuming than teaching a large group. Unfortunately, large class size has become a reality in most of our primary schools due to inadequate funding by the government and absence of political will to provide sufficient number of teachers and classrooms that will ensure quality education. Teachers are now coping with 40 to 50 pupils in a single class. Yet the same teachers are not often well renumerated.
Primary school system is under severe stress nationwide. Large class system has drastically reduced the standard of education of primary school level. It is common these days to see graduates of the primary school who cannot speak or write simple and correct English. One major cause of this ugly scenario is the phenomenon of large class size.
It is against this background stated above that the researchers decided to investigate into the effects of class size on pupils academic achievements in Mangu L. G. A.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
The problems of this research are:
i. What factors are responsible for the steady increase of class size in our primary schools?
ii. Does class size have any effect on pupils’ academic achievement?
iii. How can pupils’ academic achievement be improved?

1.3. Purpose of the Study
The purpose f the study therefore, is to determine the effects of class size on the pupils’ academic achievement.
The objectives of the study are as follows:
i. To determine the meaning of class size.
ii. To identify those factors responsible for the steady increase in class size.
iii. To determine the effect of large class size on pupils’ academic achievements.
iv. To determine the effects of large class size on pupils’ academic achievements.
v. To look at how best pupils’ academic achievement can be improved.
1.4. Research Questions
To guide this study, the following research questions were raise and answered after thorough investigation.
i. How adequate are the classrooms for teaching for teaching of the primary school pupils?
ii. How adequate are the number of teachers teaching in the primary schools?
iii. To what extent does small class size has effect on pupils’ academic achievements?
1.5. Hypothesis
The following hypothesis have been formulated:
Ho: These is no significant difference about the effect of class size on pupils’ performance among the teachers of large class size and those of small class size.
1.6. Significance of the Study
This research work will be of great significance to the classroom teachers of Mangu L.G.a, the pupils, government, parents and the educational sector of the country.
The research work is intended to serve as a source of information to individuals who might wish to know the effects of class size on the academic achievement of pupils in primary schools.
The outcome of this research may similarly sharpen the awareness and mental ability of class teacher, institution of learning, private individuals, other researchers and the general public who may wish to improve on the study.
1.7. Limitation of the Study
The study tends to limit its focus on the effects of class size on the academic achievement of the pupils in primary schools.
Due to constraint of money, energy and other factors, the study is confined only to primary schools within Mangu L.G.A. thus, an attempt to generalize the findings of this study must take note of the sample and population used in the study.
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Class: A group of pupils or students who are taught and study together.
Class Size: A given number of pupils in a class.
Small Class Size: A class of not more than 20 pupils
Large Class Size: A class of more than 20 pupils.
Effect: A change or consequence as a result of class size
Pupils: Learners at the primary school level.
Academic Achievement or Performance: It is the outcome of education (the extent to which a child has achieved his educational goals)