Effect of Class Size on the Academic Achievement of Students in Basic Science and Technology in Gwagwalada Area Council FCT Abuja
1Mohammed Ibrahim Abba, 1Uche S. Anaduaka & 2Kasim Mohammed Saad
1Department of Science and Environmental Education, University of Abuja
2Registry Department, General Administration and Council Affairs, Usmanu Danfodiyo University
Email: bonga2004@hotmail.com, sanaduaka@yahoo.com, alkasim.saad@gmail.com
Corresponding Author: Mohammed
Ibrahim Abba
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out to investigate the Effect of Class Size on the Academic Achievement of Students in Basic Science and Technology in Gwagwalada Area Council FCT Abuja, Nigeria. The study had 2 specific objectives, 2 research questions and 2 null hypotheses. Quasi experimental research design was used. The population of the study comprised of the JSS 3 students of all the Junior Secondary Schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT Abuja. A sample of 109 students was drawn from Junior Secondary School Old Kutunku in Gwagwalada, Abuja. Purposive sampling was used to select two intact classes from the selected school. The students were divided into two groups (experimental and control group). The instruments used for the study was a self-formulated Basic Science and Technology Achievement Test (BSTAT), designed by the researchers. It consists of a 50-item multiple choice achievement test with options A-D. It was validated by two experts in the field of test and measurement, Faculty of Education, University of Abuja. Pilot test was conducted in a different school using the test re-test method, and a reliability co-efficient of 0.82 was obtained using Pearson Product Moment co-efficient, indicating that the instrument is highly reliable. Data collected was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test statistics. The findings revealed that students in the small class performed better than those in the large class. Also there is no significant difference in the mean achievement scores of male and female students. The null hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance indicated that there is a significant difference between the achievement scores of those in the small class and those in the large class. It was therefore concluded that large population in our classes has a negative impact on students’ academic performance. The study recommended, among others, that the correct ratio of one teacher per 35 students should be encouraged, as stipulated by the national policy on education. This will enable teachers to teach well and to ensure good classroom management without much difficulties and challenges. Also, large population in classes should be avoided because it has effect on student’s performance. The study also recommended that public address system and a conducive environment should be provided to enable effective communication especially in large classroom.
Keywords: Class Size, Academic Achievement, Basic Science and Technology, Secondary School Students
