Class Size in Higher Education: The Effects of Class Size on Student Performance Across Multiple Factors

• In Event: 69.033 - Student Learning and In-Class Experiences

Abstract

A reduction in state appropriations for public colleges and universities has resulted in increased class sizes to reduce costs. With the increased attention towards class size in higher education, there has been robust debate on the effects of larger class sizes on students and faculty. However, studies examining the effect of class size on student outcomes predominantly focus on K-12. This study applied a four-factor two-way ANOVA to investigate how class size affects student performance across levels, disciplines, and formats. The model was effective in explaining student performance (R2=0.435). The results suggest that class size has varying and significant affects upon student performance across course levels and formats.

Authors

• Amanda L. Nolen, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Whitney Thomasson, University of Arkansas at Little Rock