Class Size and Teachers’ Productivity in Primary Schools in Ekiti State

Abstract

This study examined the Class Size and Productivity in Primary Schools in Ekiti State using Ado Local Government
Area of Ekiti State as a case study. This is necessary because of the perceived primary school teachers ineffectiveness in the
performance of their duties. A sample of two hundred teachers was drawn from twenty schools in the local government through
the simple random sampling technique. A questionnaire tagged “Class Size and Teachers’ Productivity” was used to collect the
data for this study. The instrument was validated by using test re-test method of testing reliability and the reliability coefficient of
0.72 was obtained and this was considered high enough for reliability. The data obtained were analysed using frequency counts,
percentages and Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis. The study revealed that the level of teachers’ productivity in
primary schools in the local government under study was low. The study also revealed that teachers would prefer to teach small
classes where they can easily manage their students and impart knowledge to them with little or no stress to large classes. The
study further showed that, there is a significant relationship between class size and teachers’ productivity. It is therefore
recommended based on these findings that urgent steps should be taken by the government and all stakeholders in education to
ensure proper funding of primary schools through the provision of essential infrastructures in order to reduce the ratio of students
to a teachers to a manageable size. This is necessary in order to achieve appreciable level of teachers’ productivity.