THE EFFECT OF LARGE CLASS SIZE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS READING COMPREHENSION, A CASE STUDY OF EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN EDO STATE.

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effect of large class size on the performance of senior secondary school students' reading comprehension in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study aimed to determine whether there is a significant relationship between class size and students' reading comprehension performance, and to identify the factors that may contribute to this relationship. The research design used in this study was a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of senior secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area, with a sample size of 100 students selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and analyzed using Likert scale statistics. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant negative relationship between class size and students' reading comprehension performance. The results showed that students in larger class sizes had lower reading comprehension scores compared to students in smaller class sizes. This suggests that large class sizes may have a detrimental effect on students' reading comprehension abilities. The study identified several factors that may contribute to the negative relationship between class size and reading comprehension performance. These factors include limited individual attention from teachers, increased distractions and disruptions in the classroom, and reduced opportunities for student engagement and participation. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that policymakers and educators in Egor Local Government Area take steps to reduce class sizes in senior secondary schools in order to improve students' reading comprehension performance. This may involve hiring more teachers, building more classrooms, or implementing alternative teaching strategies to accommodate larger class sizes.

To this end, this study provides valuable insights into the effect of large class size on students' reading comprehension performance in senior secondary schools. By addressing the issue of class size, educators can create a more conducive learning environment that promotes academic success and student achievement.