Title: impact of Over-Crowded Class Rooms on Student Achievements in Government

Schools at parmiry Level of District Toba Tek Singh

Name of Student: BushraAltaf

Registration No: 2015-ag-3931

Abstract

A study will be carried out to assess the over-crowded class rooms that effect the student
achievements in academia at secondary level govt. schools of District Toba Tek Singh. The study
will be focused on the problems that are being faced by the students and the teachers in
overcrowded classes. For this purpose,15-20 government girl schools (2-3 classroom/ 50-60
students) at the secondary level in district Toba Tek Singh will be included in this study. A
questionnaire will be designed and surveyed in order to get the data regarding the problems of
over-crowding faced by students,how student can physiologically, sociologically and
psychologically deprived in heavy classes and to find out the teacher-student interactions in this
regard. The questions will be set in the questionnaire will be based on the problems of
overcrowding in the classrooms and the planning used by the teachers to overcome this odd
situation. The data will be given both quantitative and qualitative treatment. Spearman
correlation coefficient will be used to rank the problems of overcrowded classes and the
strategies used by the teachers to overcome these problems. The teacher perspective regarding
knowledge, attitude and skill will also be assessed affecting the performance of the students.
Some stressful conditions due to overcrowded classroom like inadequate classroom space, noise
making, lack of individual attention, issues related to safety and health, minimal learner and
teacher interaction, disruptive behaviors, teachers experienced emotional and psychological
problems, increased workload and inadequate teaching time will also be addressed. Addressing
these indispensable tools will equip the students to be open minded and creative, thus to achieve
their respective goals. This study will be helpful in making conclusions about how to tackle the
situation of overcrowded classrooms and how to adopt modern teaching aids other than teaching
methods to overcome the situation.

University of Agriculture, FaisalabadSub Campus Toba Tek Singh

 Synopsis for M. Phil. Education

I. Title: Assessment of Over-Crowded Class Room on Student Achievements in

Government Schools at Secondary Level of District Toba Tek Singh

II. a) Date of Admission 23-09-2015

b) Date of Initiation After approval
c) Probable Duration 01 Semester
III. Personnel:
a) Name of the Student BushraAltaf
b) Registration No. 2015-ag-3931
c) Supervisory Committee:
i) Dr. UmairSafdar (Supervisor)
ii)Dr. Allah Baksh (Member)
iii) Dr. Riaz Mustafa (Member)
III. Introduction

For the development of harmony and to exercise all human rights in the society,
education is an indispensable tool. It also played a vital role in the individual’s well-being. It
is also an instrument for endowing all mankind to adore their political, economic and social
rights. When number of students exceeds the optimal level and causingproblemsin the
teaching- learning process, that classroom is said to be overcrowded.Out of total
infrastructure of the school, the classroom is the utmostsignificant area. The
learnerspassmaximum time in the classrooms for getting knowledge. The whole atmosphere
of a classroom depicts the significances, objectives, attitude and character development of the
student. Student knowledge performance can be enhanced when teachers take time to build a
classroom climate in such a way that they feel comfortable with their educators. But
unfortunately, the classrooms in our country are overcrowded.

The class room environment plays an important role for meaningful learning. It is the
nucleus of every education interface among the teacher and the students. The teaching and
learning process usually takes place in the classrooms (Oriere, 2007). Oyesola (2007)
reported thatnumber of classroom required in a school depends upon the student’s
population, teachers and other staff. Overcrowded classes have been considered one of the
most challenging problems facing students and teachers as well. Overcrowded classrooms
may create an obstacle in the students’ academic achievement in secondary school education.
These students achievements can produce the best quality graduates who will serve te nation
in a better way and can play a pivotal role country’s economic and social development (Ali
etal., 2009). Educators, trainers, and researchers are the major contributors in achieving the
optimum academic performance of the students (Crosnoe et al., 2004). The parental interest
in achieving academic performance of the students leads to get higher level of quality in
academic success (Barnard, 2004; Shumox and Lomax, 2001).

In all over the world, students face many problems when endeavoring to learn in an
overcrowded classroom in secondary schools which include instructional, management,
assessment and discipline problems (Benbow et al, 2007). Amarat (2011) also narrated that
one of the most serious problems faced by teachers in secondary schools is overcrowded
classrooms. The students become frustrated, despondent and disheartened in overcrowded
classrooms. The students develop negative attitude and behavior in the society. There is a
direct influence of overcrowded classrooms on found in their studies that overcrowded
classrooms have a direct impact on teaching and learning. Overcrowded classrooms have not
only affected learner performance but also put enormous stress on teachers (Oliver and
Lippman, 2007). Fin and Achilles (2007) contended that overcrowded classrooms impacted
negatively on teacher morale and enjoyment of their profession. Overcrowded classrooms
have created a scenario in which teachers face many challenges in the classroom. In light of
this, this study is sought to explore the experiences of students and the teachers in
overcrowded classrooms.This study will also provide awareness about the key factors other
than overcrowded classrooms affecting the students’ academic achievement in secondary
school education. Also, it may aid teachers, parents, students, principals, educators and policy
makers to identify important contributors that directly or indirectly affect students’ academic
achievement in secondary schools.
Keeping in view the scenario as mentioned above a study will be planned with the
following hypothesis and objectives:
Research Hypothesis: Overcrowded classroom has non-significant influence on academic
achievement of secondary school students
Objectives:
1. To assess status of students’ academic achievement in secondary schools
 2. To analyze the effect of overcrowding classrooms influencing the students’ academic
achievement in secondary schools
3. To examine the student teacher interaction in overcrowded classrooms

IV. Review of Literature

Duncan (2005) observed that the teachers delivered their lectures and other events
related to class, managed in a limited infrastructure and the students have to study within
available circumstances as was provided by the teacher. The overcrowded classrooms create
problems for the students to engage the teacher one on one for constructive discussion. On
the other hand, in broad areas the student can get their own educationevents and
develophimself as self-made analyst/ researcher while engaging himself on different
activities.
Finn and Achilles (2007) studied student performance in overcrowded and reduced
sized classrooms and reported that the discipline was well maintained in reduced sized
classes as compared to overcrowded classes during two years of study.
Wang (2007) worked on class size and recommended that the educators faced least
problems in small sized class, covered all the contents of the course easily and close contact
with learners. All these parameters results towards better performance of the students. The
administration of schools also mentioned that small sized classrooms can be maintained with
quite ease and the relations with the students and their family members can also be developed
without any problem (Brophy, 2006).
Akhtar et al.(2012) observed that how teachers and the learners faced some
difficulties in oversized classes in govt. schools. The students of 9 th class were taken as
sample population. It was indicated that students and teachers were on the same page
regarding the size of classroom and quality of education in overcrowded classrooms. It was
felt that new infrastructure must be built in govt. schools to cope with problems of
overcrowded classroom. It was also recommended that the teachers must be made proper
schedule of teaching and other related events from the start of theyear keeping inview the
limitation of oversized classroom.
Parveen et al.(2012)worked on govt. schools of secondary level to observe the
difficulties faced by the educators in oversized classes in Peshawar. It was observed that the
quality of education cannot be achieved in overcrowded classrooms and the educators
experienced lot of problems like delivering a lecture, maintaining discipline and assessment
difficulties. It was recommended that the govt. should make concrete policies regarding
building of new infrastructure and provision of all other facilities in schools.
Qaiser and Ishtiaq(2014)presented aftereffects of overcrowded classes on the
academic performance of the students. They observed that suitable atmosphere in the
classroom has positive effect on the overall performance of the learners studying in the
secondary schools. It was suggested that the classes should be well maintained and all the
required facilities must be provided for enhancing quality of education.
Peter (2014)examined different obstacles in oversized classes and observed that all
the educators were agreed on the assessment of problems of overcrowded classes. This
practice was useful in understanding the protocol of assessment of oversized classes within
the school premises. The teachers must be avoided from delivering only theoretical
knowledge to the students but also try to apply them within available circumstances.
Muthusamy (2015) analyzed teacher’s views about the problems of overcrowded
classrooms. The teachers responded that there is painful condition in oversized classroom
like the space issue,security and health problems, student teacher interaction,troublesome
attitude, and increase in teaching time and maximum course load. It was also observed that
the administration did not provide any support like organizing training workshops for the
teachers, to make better policies for quality of education, mobilization of resources and to
help the teachers in the implementation of rules for maintaining harmony in the classroom.
Asma and Saihi (2015) investigated the main problems that hamper
teacher-students interaction in overcrowded classes particularly teaching-
learning process and the methods that teacher should use in those large
size classes influencing teacher-students interaction. The data were
generated through questionnaires to (30) student chosen randomly from
different classes and to (8) teachers who have also been chosen
randomly. The main difficulties observed in overcrowded classes were
noise making, lack of individual attention and classroom arrangement
influencing interaction in the class. The teacher-students interaction was
also confirmed. It was felt that there is need for the adoption of modern
teaching aids, in addition to the methods and techniques that should be
applied while teaching those classes.
Odeh et al. (2016) stated the significance of school environment for the students of
secondary schools that has marvelous impact on the quality of teachingstudents. This
suggests that schools that failto deliver the essential education services and generate a
favorable environment for teaching and learningmay hardly put in the best in their students
especially in the area of academic achievement. This situationhas been among the reason for
poor academic achievement of students in many schools in thestudy area.They indicated that
school environment, discipline and physical facilities have importanteffect on academic
achievement of secondary school students in Senatorial District of BenueState. They
recommended that suitableschool establishments should permit to provide a favorable school
atmosphere that has good climate foreffective teaching and learning.
Petro(2016) studied the effects of overcrowded classrooms on teachers and learners.
Most of the parents make their decision on whether to send their kids to a particular school
on the potential number of learners in the classroom. All teacher training institutions must to
ascertain whether they offer suitable teacher training programs that will enable student
teachers to deal with the numerous demands related with the teaching profession in
overcrowded classrooms. It was shown that frequent difficulties werefaced by student
teachers, who were teaching in overcrowded classrooms. The principles regarding support
from lecturers, substantial observation and the responsible engagement of teachers are
proposed.
Iwuagwu(2016) depictedthe school environment, which includes the classroom,
school location, school facility, school climate and technology, etc, affecting students’
academic performance. It was indicated that students’ learning could be boosted by their
location within the school premises, the arrangement of their classroom, availability of
instructional facilities and fixtures. It is believed that a well-organized school will gear up
expected outcome of education that will facilitate good social, political and economic
freedom, effective teaching learning process and academic performance ofthe students.
Torupere(2016) observed the extent to which physical school environment influence
students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Bayelsa State. The different
hypotheses were formulated which was meant to assess the influence of aesthetic beauty of
the school, infrastructural facilities, school equipment and instructional materials and school
location on students’ academic performance. The sample used for this research was
1,620students carefully selected through the use of multiple stages sampling techniques in
secondary schools in Bayelsa State. Two research instruments an achievement test to measure
student’s academic achievement and a set of questionnaire to measure the sub independent
variables of the study. The results revealed that: aesthetic beauty of the school and
infrastructural facilities significantly influence students’ academic performance. Also, there is
a significant influence of school equipment and instructional materials and school location on
students’ academic performance. It was recommended that adequate school physical facilities
should be provided by the State Government, in all secondary schools in Bayelsa State. This
will help to engage the students in meaningful activities.