THE EFFECT OF CLASS SIZE IN EFFECTIVE TEACHING OF SOCIAL STUDIES IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

1.1 Introduction

Social Studies Curriculum as a policy document and academic programme was introduced to educational system in Nigeria with the aim of inculcating positive values and building of better Nigeria. In recent times, educators in Nigeria have been increasingly concerned about the need to improve on the academic achievement of students (Akubuiro, 2008). Academic achievement is an important parameter in measuring success in students. Observations and reports have shown that success or high academic achievement has become a herculean task to accomplish by students. In the light of the foregoing, this study intend to look into class size being that the classroom is a major deciding factor as to how well or how poor students are prepared for examinations.

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of Study

For many years, educators, politicians and people in general have debated on the number of students a teacher can work effectively to ensure students adequate learning. Although most people would agree that having a few student to teacher ratio would benefit the student academically, mainly will also argue that it does not guarantee success and would cost school a great deal or more money. Prior to reviewing the research, a clarification, of terms associated with the research, a clarification of terms associated with the research context is necessary. Students achievement applies to making sure all students have the necessary skills and knowledge to function in school so that they may also succeed as adult (National Education Association, 2002). But others see a much broader, richer, picture and the state standards as something to be met on the way to the broader picture. Three areas that fit into the broader picture are academics, essential life skills and responsibility to the community. Definitions vary across the research spectrum, but for the purpose of this paper, small class size will be defined as classes with approximately 15 students, while large or regular class will be defined as classrooms with approximately 24 or more students (Harris and Plank, 2000). The term average class size is a calculation of the total number of students in a grade level divided by the number of classroom sections in that school or school district.

The relationship between class size and academic performance has been a perplexing one for educators. Studies have found that the physical environment, class overcrowding and teaching methods are all variables that affect students achievement (Molnal, et al 2000). Other factors that affect students achievement are school population and class size (Gentry, 2000, and Swift, 2000). The issue of poor academic performance of students in Nigeria has been of much concern to all and sundry. The problems are so much that it has led to the decline in standard of education. Since the academic success of students depends largely on the school environment, it is imperative to examine the impact variables of class size and school population on the academic performance of students in secondary school. Large class size quality of teaching and instruction delivery, overcrowded classrooms have increased the possibilities for mass failure and make students to lose interest in school. This is because large class size does not allow individual students to get attention from teachers which invariable lead to low reading scores, frustration and poor academic performance. In order to better understand the skill levels of students, it might be necessary to evaluate factors affecting their performance. These factors can include; school structure and organization, teachers quality, curriculum and teaching philosophies (Driscoill, Halcoussis and Sony, 2003).

The student achievement guarantee in education defines class size reduction as “reduce to class 15” class size reduction can be defined as reducing the number of students in a classroom. Classroom averages, as defined above, can be reduced by introducing more teachers. If a school has 120 students in first grade with five class room teachers, the average class size will be 24 students per class. That number will be reduced if another teacher is utilized in that grade level. 120 students divided by six classroom teachers will result in average class size of 20 students per class. Minorities are defined as students who are indicated as an ethnics status of Afro-American, Asian American, Native American or Hispanic American and is citizen of the United States has permanent immigrant or refugee status (University of Wisdom, Modison, 2009). The term minority is a relative term at this point in time. Minorities were often considered so because a majority of the population in the United State was Caucasians. However, there are many cities even states, where Caucasians are not the majority.

The premise that reducing class size can lead to improved teaching and learning is one that most teachers and parents would readily endorse (Kennedy, 2003). Given a choice between a classroom with 20 students one with 30 studnets, who would want to argue that the larger class would be a better learning environment for each students in that class. The major problems schools are running into is that then funding for these small class sizes is not available, that the funding for these small class sizes is not available., or is decreasing. Many states and school districts dealing increasingly with shortfalls in revenue are smaller classes.

Advocates of small classes believes that small class size allow teacher to give more individualized attention to students, manage their classrooms more effectively and provide more effective instruction that leads to better students performance. In a smaller classroom, a teacher has more time to get to know each student personality and academic strengths and weaknesses, students receive more attention and are less likely to become discipline problems with less time spent on classroom management; teachers can focus more on classroom instruction and students learning.

Therefore, in Warri-South Local Government Area where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the effect of class size in effective teaching of social studies in junior secondary school.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed the problem of the research work which entails that the performance of junior secondary school students in Junior West African Examination Council in 2012 according to report made by (office of the statistics in PPSMB, 2012), calls for proper investigation of causes of poor academic performance of junior secondary schools students in Warri-South Local Government Area of Delta State. Although, several scholars have proposed various factors responsible for the poor performance of students, few researches has been dedicated to the correlation between class size, school population and academic achievement of students.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of class size in effective teaching of social studies in junior secondary school in Warri-South Local Government Area, Delta State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To determine the class size of junior secondary school students in Warri-South Local Government Area;
2. To determine the effect of class size in teaching and learning social studies among JSS students in the area under study;
3. To ascertain the effectiveness of teaching and learning social studies in junior secondary school in the area under study; and
4. To identify the policy guiding teacher-student ratio in junior secondary school in the area under study.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• Does class size really affect the teaching and learning in junior secondary school?
• Is there any relationship between class size and the teaching of social studies in junior secondary school?
• Is there any policy guiding teacher student’s ratio in junior secondary school?
• Is there any relationship between class size and effective teaching and learning of social studies in junior secondary school?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: There is no significant relationship between class size and effective teaching and learning of social studies in junior secondary school
• H1: There is a significant relationship between class size and effective teaching and learning of social studies in junior secondary school

Hypothesis Two

• H0: Class size has no significant effect on the teaching and learning of social studies subject in junior secondary school
• H2: Class size has a significant effect on the teaching and learning of social studies subject in junior secondary school

1.7 Significance of Study

This study has the potential to guide the policy maker about the present scenario of education system. They make the vision and may improve the situation through adopting a better policy about teachers. The study is also likely to guide for developing the education, standard for students teacher, ratio.

This study is also important such that the findings made will help teachers to identify the reasons for the academic performances of students in large classes with high population and how they can address the problems. It will provide comprehensive information for educational planners, educators, and parents on how they can assist students to cope in large classes.

This research work will lead to further in-depth study on the impact of class size and school population on the academic performance of students in computer and other subjects. It will serve as a contribution to knowledge in the subject area. In this regards, it will be useful for other researchers who might want to carryout research in related areas.

This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.

1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the effect of class size in effective teaching of social studies in junior secondary school in Warri-South Local Government Area, Delta State.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

1.10 Definition of Terms

Education: The process or art of imparting knowledge, skill and judgment.