EFFECT OF CLASS SIZE ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SOCIAL STUDIES

ABSTRACT: The general focus of this study was to examine the effect of class size in academic performance of student in Social Studies using  Warri south local government of Delta State as case study. The survey research design was employed for the study. The target population for this study comprised of students of selected secondary schools in Warri South, in Delta State. Five(5) secondary schools  were purposively selected which form the population of the study. The research instrument used in this study is the questionnaire. Research Hypotheses were tested using the Pearson Correlation and T-test Statistical tool (SPSS.v23). Findings from the study reveals that classroom size affect teachers-student interaction, time teachers spends on controlling the class, quality of instruction and the learning outcome of students which at length affect his/her attainment of academic goals. Thus the study concludes that there is a significant relationship between class size and academic performance. The study therefore recommends that educational stakeholders, government and school owners having known the component of learning environment should ensure that school environment has a well equipped library, spacious class rooms and nature-based surrounding, while teachers should improve their classroom management skills and maintain positive student-teacher relationship which would improve students academic performance in social studies and other subjects.