Research on Class Size in K-12 Online Learning

Abstract

Class size is a crucial environmental factor for online administrators and educators to consider when designing K-12 online courses. Based on an examination of previous research on online class size in both K-12 and postsecondary settings, this chapter analyzes trends and research gaps in this area, and shows that there is no one-size-£ts-all solution to the ideal class size question. It suggests that it is vitally important to combine e¢ects of class size and other critical contextual factors (e.g., teaching, teacher experience, learning performance, interaction, subjects) in online learning to maximize students’ learning success. The study also provides practical and research recommendations for practitioners, policy-makers, and online instructors.