Forum: Class size unchanged for more than 50 years

I agree with Education Minister Chan Chun Sing’s assertion that the quality of teachers is a greater determinant of education outcome than class size (Teacher quality more important than class sizes: Chan, Jan 2).

However, the impact of class size on the quality of education cannot be underestimated. Teachers have a fixed number of waking hours to provide personal attention to their students, especially face-to-face coaching. If class size is reduced, more time will be available for students, especially the weaker ones.

I was therefore surprised to read that the number of pupils per teacher in primary schools has decreased by about 8 per cent in the last decade (16.5 to 15.2) and the Ministry of Education has slowed down teacher recruitment. It seems that the class size in our schools has remained largely unchanged from the time I was in school, more than 50 years ago.

On a personal level, I have also learnt of many good teachers who have quit the profession primarily due to the fact that they cannot provide the quality of education they feel their charges deserve due to lack of time. Reducing class size will help retain these professionals.

Chng Poh Hwa