Large Math Classes Impact Learning

I just found out that my friend, who recently finished 8th grade at Standley Middle School in University City, had 45 classmates in her math class last semester (Spring 2013). Data are not yet available for the 2012-2013 school year, but the average math class size at Standley the prior year was 34, and it was 29 the year before that. I am trying to sort out in my mind how schools are going to implement Common Core math when the math classes are so large.

When the class size is large, say, over 30 students, the most practical way to deliver math instruction is by lecture, which is not effective most of the time. We know from research that a large class size has a negative impact on learning. I know from my own teaching experience that it is difficult to engage every student mathematically in a large class.

Principals and teachers are working this summer toward the implementation of the new Common Core State Standards. Their jobs depend on successful implementation because the new assessments will measure it.

I think our schools are between a rock and a hard place. The Common Core math standards aim to move mathematics instruction away from a lecture (“teaching is telling”) approach, and engage them more actively in mathematics. The transition away from a lecture approach is difficult in itself, and the large math class sizes add to the challenge. Math class sizes will have to shrink to make it possible to implement Common Core math successfully.