Exploring the impact of increasing class size on the quality of learning in higher education: perspective of students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Loading...
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Like many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa’s higher education sector is grappling
with the issue of large classes, having accommodated 473000 students in 1993, the number
rose to 799388 in the period between 1993 and 2008 and the student headcount was 975837 in
2016 (Department of Higher education and Training (DHET), 2017). The rise in the number
of students enrolling in tertiary institutions has led to an increase in class size. The focus of this
qualitative study is to explore students’ perceptions of large classes concerning their learning.
The study was conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the KwaZulu-Natal province
of South Africa. Data was generated through telephonic interviews; this was done to adhere to
covid lockdown regulations in South Africa which encourage social distancing, hence
discouraging face-to-face interviews. The main findings of the study show that students in large
classes are mainly affected by classroom incivility which often leads to disruptions and limited
student and lecturer interactions. Students themselves describe the large class size learning
environment as ‘stressful’ and less productive when compared to a smaller class size
environment. Students of large classes are affected by conditions such as resource constraints,
minimal student and lecturer interactions, and disruptive student behaviour. Findings show that
some lecturers can mitigate large class size negative effects using effective classroom
management techniques, such as establishing and preventing undesirable behaviour during
lectures. The findings also show that students use certain techniques to overcome some
undesired consequences of large classes. These include joining study groups and consulting
academic tutors and lecturers when struggling to understand the course material. The
participants of this study also advocate for greater self-reliance and thorough preparation before
attending any lecture. It is recommended that lecturers incorporate teaching methods that
encourage students’ participation in large classes. The study highlighted the need to investigate
the aspects of a large class size environment that promote classroom incivility.
Description
Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.