The impact of the 30:1 student-teacher ratio

Satyabrat Borah

(satyabratborah12@gmail.com)

 A 30:1 student-to-teacher ratio is becoming more common in schools, but it can have negative effects on education. A ratio like this means there is one teacher for every thirty students in a classroom. While this ratio may seem manageable, it can create challenges that affect the quality of education students receive. When classrooms have too many students and not enough teachers, both students and teachers face difficulties that can impact learning, student engagement, and overall educational outcomes.

In classrooms with a high student-to-teacher ratio, teachers often find it harder to give each student individual attention. Every student learns differently, and teachers need to spend time with each child to understand their strengths and weaknesses. In a classroom with thirty students, it becomes almost impossible to give each one the attention they deserve. Teachers may have to move quickly from one student to the next, limiting the amount of time they can spend with any one individual. As a result, some students may struggle to keep up with the lessons or feel left out, especially those who need extra help or learn at a different pace.

Large classrooms also make it harder for teachers to manage behaviour effectively. When there are too many students in a classroom, keeping everyone focused and disciplined can be challenging. Teachers must divide their attention between teaching and managing behaviour, which can be exhausting and take away from instructional time. Students may feel that they are not getting enough guidance on how to behave in a learning environment, and teachers may become stressed from having to constantly correct behaviour. In these situations, students who want to learn may be distracted by classmates who act out, disrupting the flow of the lesson and making it difficult for everyone to focus.

Another downside of a 30:1 ratio is that it can reduce student participation. In smaller classes, students are more likely to engage, ask questions, and discuss ideas. With thirty students in a classroom, it becomes harder for everyone to participate actively. There may not be enough time for all students to share their thoughts or ask questions, and some students may feel too shy to speak up in a large group. When students do not get a chance to participate, they miss out on valuable learning experiences that help them build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the material. A classroom should be a place where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, but a high student-to-teacher ratio can make this more difficult.

Teachers in large classrooms may also struggle to provide detailed feedback on assignments and tests. Giving constructive feedback is an important part of helping students learn and improve. When teachers have too many students, they may not have enough time to review each student’s work carefully and give thoughtful comments. Instead, they might give general feedback that does not address each student’s individual needs. Without specific guidance, students may not understand where they need to improve or how to develop their skills. This lack of personalised feedback can hinder students’ growth and prevent them from reaching their full potential.

Large class sizes can also affect the mental health and well-being of both students and teachers. Students in crowded classrooms may feel overwhelmed, as they have to compete for the teacher’s attention and feel lost in the crowd. They may experience stress or anxiety, especially if they struggle with the material and do not receive the help they need. For teachers, managing a large classroom can lead to burnout and stress. Teachers who are responsible for thirty or more students often work long hours and face pressure to meet the needs of all students. This workload can lead to exhaustion, reducing their ability to teach effectively. When teachers feel burnt out, their energy and enthusiasm for teaching can decrease, affecting the quality of education they provide.

A high student-teacher ratio can also impact the quality of instruction. In smaller classrooms, teachers can use a variety of teaching methods to engage students and make learning more interesting. They can organise group discussions, hands-on activities, and projects that help students understand concepts more deeply. However, with thirty students, it becomes challenging to organise and manage these types of activities. Teachers may rely more on lectures or one-way communication, where they speak and students listen. This approach can limit students’ involvement and engagement, making it harder for them to stay interested in the material. Active learning, where students participate directly, is important for deep understanding, but a high student-to-teacher ratio makes it difficult to create such an environment.

Another issue with a 30:1 ratio is that it can widen the achievement gap between students. In a large classroom, students who struggle academically may fall behind if they do not receive extra help. Some students may need more guidance or practice to understand the material, and teachers may not have the time to provide this support. As a result, these students may find it harder to keep up with their peers. Over time, this gap can grow, with struggling students becoming more discouraged and disengaged. Meanwhile, students who excel may not be challenged enough, as the teacher has to focus on the majority of the class. Without proper support, high-achieving students may lose interest and not reach their full potential.

Classroom resources also tend to be stretched thin in large classrooms. Schools often have limited resources, such as books, technology, and supplies, and in a classroom with thirty students, it can be difficult to provide enough materials for everyone. When students have to share resources, it can slow down the learning process and limit their ability to complete assignments effectively. For example, if there are not enough computers for everyone to use, students may not get enough practice with technology, which is an essential skill in today’s world. The lack of resources can also make it harder for teachers to create an engaging learning environment, as they may have to work with limited materials and supplies.

In addition, a high student-to-teacher ratio can affect the school’s culture and sense of community. When classrooms are crowded, students may not have the chance to form close relationships with their teachers and classmates. A positive relationship with teachers is important for students’ academic and emotional development, as it helps them feel supported and motivated to learn. In large classrooms, these relationships are harder to build, as teachers may not have the time to get to know each student personally. Similarly, students may find it difficult to make friends and feel a sense of belonging in a large group. A supportive classroom environment is essential for learning, but a high student-to-teacher ratio can weaken this sense of community.

For younger students, the challenges of a 30:1 ratio can be even more pronounced. Young children need more guidance and support to develop basic skills, such as reading, writing, and math. They also need help with social skills, learning how to interact with others, and understanding classroom rules. In a classroom with thirty young students, it is challenging for one teacher to meet all these needs. Teachers may struggle to give each child the attention they require, leading to gaps in learning and development. Early education is a critical time for building a strong foundation, but a high student-to-teacher ratio can make it harder for young students to succeed.

To address the issues caused by a high student-to-teacher ratio, some schools have tried using teaching assistants or dividing students into smaller groups. Teaching assistants can help manage large classrooms by providing additional support for students, assisting with activities, and helping maintain order. By working alongside the teacher, they can make it easier to provide individual attention to students who need it. Similarly, some schools try to create smaller groups within the classroom, allowing teachers to focus on a few students at a time. While these strategies can help, they may not fully solve the problem, especially if there are still too many students for the resources available.

A 30:1 student-to-teacher ratio can create significant challenges in the education system. Large classrooms make it difficult for teachers to give individual attention, manage behaviour, and provide detailed feedback. Students may struggle to participate, experience stress, and miss out on important learning opportunities. Teachers, too, face burnout and stress from managing large groups, affecting their ability to teach effectively. The quality of instruction can decline, and the achievement gap between students can widen. Classroom resources may be limited, and the sense of community within the school can weaken. For young children, these challenges can have a lasting impact on their educational journey.

To ensure a quality education for all, it is important for schools to work towards lowering the student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for a more personalised and supportive learning environment. Smaller classrooms help teachers and students connect, allowing for a more engaging and effective educational experience. Addressing the challenges of a high student-to-teacher ratio is essential for creating a strong foundation for learning and helping students reach their full potential.