Rethinking Class Size: The complex story of impact on teaching and learning

Rethinking Class Size: The complex story of impact on teaching and learning

Author: Peter Blatchford

Publisher: UCL Press

Published: 2020-11-12

Total Pages: 340

ISBN-13: 1787358798

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The debate over whether class size matters for teaching and learning is one of the most enduring, and aggressive, in education research. Teachers often insist that small classes benefit their work. But many experts argue that evidence from research shows class size has little impact on pupil outcomes, so does not matter, and this dominant view has informed policymaking internationally. Here, the lead researchers on the world’s biggest study into class size effects present a counter-argument. Through detailed analysis of the complex relations involved in the classroom they reveal the mechanisms that support teachers’ experience, and conclude that class size matters very much indeed. Drawing on 20 years of systematic classroom observations, surveys of practitioners, detailed case studies and extensive reviews of research, Peter Blatchford and Anthony Russell contend that common ways of researching the impact of class size are limited and sometimes misguided. While class size may have no direct effect on pupil outcomes, it has, they say, significant force through interconnections with classroom processes. In describing these connections, the book opens up the everyday world of the classroom and shows that the influence of class size is everywhere. It impacts on teaching, grouping practices and classroom management, the quality of peer relations, tasks given to pupils, and on the time teachers have for marking, assessments and understanding the strengths and challenges for individual pupils. From their analysis, the authors develop a new social pedagogical model of how class size influences work, and identify policy conclusions and implications for teachers and schools.


The Class Size Debate

The Class Size Debate

Author: Blatchford, Peter

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)

Published: 2003-04-01

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 0335211623

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"This is a very important book which may become a classic. The research study is remarkable in its magnitude, breadth and duration.... it is described in a form accessible to practitioners and policy makers." - Professor Jeremy D. Finn, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA "This fascinating book is one that should be compulsory reading for student teachers... It also provides challenge and insight for experienced teachers. ...a stimulating source of evidence which will challenge people to consider their own approaches and what might constitute good practice. ...an important contribution to the class size debate." - Inservice Journal One of the most important debates in education in recent years has been about the effects of class size differences in schools. This book provides the most complete analysis to date of the educational consequences of class size differences, and sets out to solve the puzzling gap between professional experience and research findings. This book: Examines results from a pioneering research project of international significance, unique in its scale and methodology Investigates the relationships between class size and pupil achievements by detailed examination of classroom processes Considers the view that small classes provide better teaching and learning, and why this is not supported by past research findings Identifies implications for policy at government, LEA and school level, teacher education and professional development Indicates implications for practice - maximising opportunities of small classes and minimising problems in large classes. Written in an accessible style and drawing upon examples from classroom life, this book is important reading for student and practising primary school teachers, M.Ed and doctoral students, teacher educators, researchers and policymakers.


Class Size

Class Size

Author: Peter Blatchford

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2016-04-28

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 131764347X

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Much debate, research and commentary about class sizes in schools is limited because of an exclusive concern with class size and pupil academic attainment, and a neglect of classroom processes, which might help explain class size effects (or lack of them). Very little is known about the central question: how can teachers make the most of class size changes? Much of the commentary on class size effects has focused on Western and English-speaking countries but there are promising developments elsewhere, particularly the 'Small Class Teaching' initiatives in East Asia in the past decade, which have brought new knowledge and practical wisdom to the class size debate. This book seeks to move toward a clearer view of what we know and do not know about class size effects, and to identify future steps in terms of policy and research. There is a huge and exciting potential for international collaboration on knowledge concerning class size effects which can help with research-informed policy. The book aims to draw out Eastern and Western international contexts which underpin any understanding of the role of class size in school learning. The book has chapters by an international team of experts on class size effects, including Maurice Galton and John Hattie. Chapters are organised into four main sections: Socio-cultural and political contexts to the class size debate in the East and West; Research evidence on class size; Class size and classroom processes likely to be related to class size changes; Professional development for small class teaching in East Asia.


Birth To Three Matters

Birth To Three Matters

Author: Abbott, Lesley

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)

Published: 2004-12-01

Total Pages: 198

ISBN-13: 0335215408

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This text explores the issues of quality education in early years settings including issues of continuity, anti-discriminatory practice, inclusion, safety and future training.


The Transformation of Title IX

The Transformation of Title IX

Author: R. Shep Melnick

Publisher: Brookings Institution Press

Published: 2018-03-06

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 0815732406

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One civil rights-era law has reshaped American society—and contributed to the country's ongoing culture wars Few laws have had such far-reaching impact as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Intended to give girls and women greater access to sports programs and other courses of study in schools and colleges, the law has since been used by judges and agencies to expand a wide range of antidiscrimination policies—most recently the Obama administration’s 2016 mandates on sexual harassment and transgender rights. In this comprehensive review of how Title IX has been implemented, Boston College political science professor R. Shep Melnick analyzes how interpretations of "equal educational opportunity" have changed over the years. In terms accessible to non-lawyers, Melnick examines how Title IX has become a central part of legal and political campaigns to correct gender stereotypes, not only in academic settings but in society at large. Title IX thus has become a major factor in America's culture wars—and almost certainly will remain so for years to come.


Let's Put Kids First, Finally

Let's Put Kids First, Finally

Author: Charles M. Achilles

Publisher: Corwin

Published: 1999-04-20

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13:

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Small is better, especially in the early years of schooling How can we put into action what parents and teachers have known for years? Small classes for young children just make sense, and now research proves it. This accessible book provides the evidence to bring common sense into the classroom. In this clear and concise book, Achilles offers: Interpretation of findings from a solid foundation of research: the Student Teacher Achievement Ratio (STAR); the DuPont Study; and the Lasting Benefits Study (LBS) Vignettes, stories, and observations by practitioners on the front line that demonstrate specific applications of teaching and learning activities in small classes Positive effects and lifelong outcomes of small classes Insights into the impact of class size on social problems, physical and monetary considerations, and environmental conditions Evidence to back up supporters who advocate small classes in school This book is designed for school leaders, teachers, administrators, students, and anyone who cares about the future of education in America. Don't let good research go to waste. Small classes may come just in time to save the next generation of children.


Earning and Learning

Earning and Learning

Author: Susan E. Mayer

Publisher: Brookings Institution Press

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 9780815755289

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The essays in this book report estimates of the effects of learning on earnings and other life outcomes. They also examine whether particular aspects of schooling--such as the age at which children begin school, classroom size, and curriculum--or structural reform--such as national or statewide examinations or school choice--affect learning.


Teaching Large Classes

Teaching Large Classes

Author: Elisa Lynn Carbone

Publisher: SAGE

Published: 1998-05-27

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13: 9780761909750

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In this useful and practical book, Elisa Carbone offers a wealth of sound advice on how to deal with a large class, from the first day to end of term evaluations. Full of examples taken from many different disciplines, Teaching Large Classes will be an ideal companion for any teacher facing the challenge of the large introductory class.


Visible Learning: Feedback

Visible Learning: Feedback

Author: John Hattie

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-08-15

Total Pages: 201

ISBN-13: 042993887X

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Feedback is arguably the most critical and powerful aspect of teaching and learning. Yet, there remains a paradox: why is feedback so powerful and why is it so variable? It is this paradox which Visible Learning: Feedback aims to unravel and resolve. Combining research excellence, theory and vast teaching expertise, this book covers the principles and practicalities of feedback, including: the variability of feedback, the importance of surface, deep and transfer contexts, student to teacher feedback, peer to peer feedback, the power of within lesson feedback and manageable post-lesson feedback. With numerous case-studies, examples and engaging anecdotes woven throughout, the authors also shed light on what creates an effective feedback culture and provide the teaching and learning structures which give the best possible framework for feedback. Visible Learning: Feedback brings together two internationally known educators and merges Hattie’s world-famous research expertise with Clarke’s vast experience of classroom practice and application, making this book an essential resource for teachers in any setting, phase or country.


Making Schools Work

Making Schools Work

Author: Eric A. Hanushek

Publisher: Brookings Institution Press

Published: 2010-12-01

Total Pages: 224

ISBN-13: 0815717687

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Educational reform is a big business in the United States. Parents, educators, and policymakers generally agree that something must be done to improve schools, but the consensus ends there. The myriad of reform documents and policy discussions that have appeared over the past decade have not helped to pinpoint exactly what should be done. The case for investment in education is an economic one: schooling improves the productivity and earnings of individuals and promotes stronger economic growth and better functioning of society. Recent trends in schooling have, however, lessened the value of society's investments as costs have risen dramatically while student performance has stayed flat or even fallen. The task is to improve performance while controlling costs. This book is the culmination of extensive discussions among a panel of economists led by Eric Hanushek. They conclude that economic considerations have been entirely absent from the development of educational policies and that economic reality is sorely needed in discussions of new policies. The book outlines an improvement plan that emphasizes changing incentives in schools and gathering information about effective approaches. Available research and analysis demonstrates that current central decisionmaking has worked poorly. Concentrating on inputs such as pupil-teacher ratios or teacher graduate degrees appears quite inferior to systems that directly reward performance. Nonetheless, since experience with such alternatives is very limited, a program of extensive evaluation appears to be in order. Attempts to institute radical change on the basis of currently available information involve substantial risks of failure. Many people today find proposals such as charter schools, expanded use of merit pay, or educational vouchers to be appealing. Yet there is little evidence of their effectiveness, and widespread adoption of these proposals is sure to run into substantial problems of im