They also have more time to devote to working with students and parents outside the classroom. The classroom situation changes when there are fewer students to distract each other. Each student gets more attention, including more time to speak while others listen. The noise level is reduced. In smaller classes, each student receives a larger portion of the educational resources represented by the teacher's time, and consequently, learns more.
Researchers also suggest that smaller classes are more likely to foster positive relationships.
The smaller the class, the harder it is to escape the positive influence of the classroom educational experience. Research overwhelmingly supports that smaller class size has enormous benefits for students and teachers alike. Every penny spent on education saves seven cents tomorrow. There is no longer any valid reason that a reduction in class sizes at all grade levels cannot be endorsed. Garry Litke is an assistant director in the BCTF's Bargaining Division.