Effect of class size on girls' academic performance in Science, Mathematics and Technology subjects

Abstract

There has been unsatisfactory academic performance in Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) subjects especially among girls over the years. The strategy of free basic education which aims at attaining education for all goals has led to enrolment of more girls in school resulting to overcrowded classrooms, limited resources and decreased quality of education. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of class size on girls' performance in SMT subjects. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and document analysis. Ex-post-facto research design was adopted. Six girls' secondary schools were purposively selected. The study comprised six head teachers, 30 SMT teachers and 416 girls. Data was presented in charts and tables and analysed using mean scores, percentages, correlation and regression coefficients. The study found that students in small class sizes performed better than those in large classes. Interposition strategies were proposed to improve girls' performance in SMT subjects.