Class size and effective class management in basic schools in the Tafo Pankrono Circuit

Abstract

The study examined the effect of students’ class size on effective teachers’ class management in the Tafo Pankrono circuit. The objectives of this study and the nature of the data to be gathered for this study, quantitation correlational research design was adopted for this study. The study population comprised of 46 teachers of which 29 of teachers were selected from two independent schools in the Tafo Pankrono Circuit in the Ashanti Region. Primary data was obtained directly from the teachers in the basic schools in the Tafo Pankrono Circuit in Kumasi. Questionnaire was used to collect the data from the teachers in the schools in the circuit. The study found that the mean class size of the teachers was 46 with a maximum and minimum class size of 80 and 28 respectively. Majority of the teachers 69% (n = 20) asserted that their class sizes are very big and of which 30% of them have a class sizes above the GES standard. The study found that there is an ineffective class management in the Tafo Pankrono Circuit. There is a significant strong positive correlation (R = .667, P < 0.05) between students class size and teachers effective class management. The study concluded that 44.5% of the teachers’ inability to manage their classes effectively in the circuit is due to their class sizes. Large class size has possess a negative threat to effective class management in the circuit. The study recommended the Circuit to work assiduously to reduce the class sizes in the basic schools to improve effective class management. The Circuit should work hard to increase their facility level by building more class rooms for students to reduce the class sizes. Educational policy makers in the circuit should implement policies that can significant minimize teacher to students ratio.