I have always enjoyed being in a smaller size classes. I honestly felt that I learned more, payed attention more, and understood better. We know that smaller size classes actually provide students with better learning environment for several reasons. One, students can ask as much questions as they want, whereas if a student was in a 100-200 students class, there is no way he can ask questions right? Second, there is no way instructors would identify your performance or willingness to learn if there is another 199 students with you in lecture, most of the times teachers are going to judge you based on your midterm and final only.

High achieved students might not care if the class size was large, their performace will contiune the same.

A recent study published in the Journal of Education showed that low-achieved students perform much better in smaller size classes, than larger ones. The reason according to the study is that teachers can easily and quickly identify students who need more attention or explanations.

“One hypothesis is that teachers in small classes are more likely to identify low achievers and hence are more likely to provide instruction designed to benefit these students,” Spyros Konstantopoulos from Michigan State University and Vicki Chung from Northwestern University. said. “Alternatively, in small classes there is a higher likelihood for low achievers to interact with teachers and be more engaged in learning.”

Also, the study suggests that reducing class size in early grades provides a dual benefit: It raises achievement for all students through middle school, while also closing the persistently large gap between high- and low-achievers.

[Via] EurekAlert