EFFECT OF CLASS SIZE REDUCTION POLICY ON STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

In this study, the author examined the effect of class size reduction policy on junior secondary school students’ performances in Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSCE). The study’s sample consisted of 3,630 students randomly selected from 56 senior secondary schools in Ibadan Education Zone 1, Oyo State, Nigeria. Data on students’ performances in ten subjects in the JSSCE in 2004/2005 as well as 2005/2006 academic sessions were subjected to both descriptive and t-test statistics. Findings showed that students whose class size was equal to or less than 30 performed better than students whose class size was considerably greater than 30.  The author concluded that if class size reduction policy is properly implemented, it will improve students’ academic achievement.