The student-teacher ratio (STR) is a measure of the number of students assigned to one teacher in a school. The ratio is typically expressed as a whole number, such as 20:1, which means that there are 20 students for every one teacher. A lower student-teacher ratio generally indicates that there are fewer students per teacher and therefore more individualised attention and support for each student.
The ideal student-teacher ratio can vary depending on the grade level, subject area, and school environment. In general, lower student-teacher ratios are associated with:
- More individualised instruction and attention for each student
- More opportunities for students to participate in class discussions and activities
- More opportunities for students to receive feedback and support from the teacher
- Smaller class sizes, which can foster a more positive and supportive learning environment
- More effective teacher-student relationships
On the other hand, higher student-teacher ratios can lead to:
- Less individualised instruction and attention for each student
- Fewer opportunities for students to participate in class discussions and activities
- Less opportunities for students to receive feedback and support from the teacher
- Larger class sizes, which can make it more difficult to create a positive and supportive learning environment
- Reduced teacher-student relationships.
It’s worth noting that,a lower student-teacher ratio does not guarantee a better learning outcome, but it’s a good indicator of how much support and attention each student may receive.
