In recent years, online schooling has opened up incredible possibilities: flexibility, global access, and new forms of interaction. One factor that can make a big difference is class size. How many students share the virtual classroom matters more than it might seem. Here’s why small class sizes in online school can make a positive difference.
What do “small class sizes” mean in an online setting?
In traditional schools, small class sizes often refer to groups of 15 to 20 students, depending on the age group. In our online school’s case, small class sizes refer to classes with 10 or fewer students per virtual classroom, enabling more interaction and more personalised attention to students individually rather than as a group.
Key Benefits of Small Class Sizes
- More Personalised Attention
In small online classes, the teacher has far more opportunity to understand each student’s learning style, pace, strengths, and areas needing support. Instead of broadcasting to a large group, the teacher can tailor explanations, check understanding, clarify misunderstandings quickly, and adapt instruction more responsively.
- Greater Engagement and Participation
With fewer students, there are more chances for each child to speak up, ask questions, contribute to discussions, and collaborate in small group or breakout sessions. There’s less risk of being “invisible” or hesitant to participate. This increased involvement tends to boost motivation and helps children feel more invested in learning.
- Better Teacher-Student Relationships
Relationships are central in education. When class sizes are small, teachers can build stronger rapport with students. They can see and respond to non-academic challenges, like emotional or social issues, which are especially important in an online environment. Students who feel known are more likely to reach out when they’re stuck, which supports both well-being and learning.
- Personalised Feedback and Frequent Check-Ins
One of the challenges in large classes is the delay between student work and teacher feedback. In small classes, teachers can give more timely, specific feedback, which is critical for learning. Errors are corrected before misconceptions take hold, improvements are encouraged early, and students are guided to master skills with less wasted time. Teachers can also monitor progress more closely.
- Reduced Distractions & Better Classroom Environment
In an online class with fewer students, there are generally fewer interruptions, less off-task behaviour, and easier management of discussions or group work. Technological distractions are also easier to notice and mitigate. This leads to a calmer, more focused learning environment.
- Better Support for Varied Learning Styles and Needs
Children learn differently. Some grasp things visually, some need repetition, and some benefit from more support. Smaller classes give the flexibility to adjust the pace, using different modalities, or provide extra help for children with special educational needs, or a challenge for gifted learners. Also, any struggling child is less likely to “slip through the cracks”.
- Stronger Sense of Community, Confidence, and Well-Being
When students know their peers and teacher better, there’s a greater sense of belonging. They feel safer to make mistakes, to try out ideas, to speak up. This fosters self-confidence. The emotional support becomes more feasible.
Conclusion
Small class sizes in online schooling often provide conditions in which learning, well-being, engagement, and confidence are more likely to flourish. Especially for younger children or those needing additional support, the benefits can be considerable. The key is leveraging the structure: using extra capacity for individual interaction, feedback, and creating a close-knit learning community. When that happens, the “small difference” can turn into something significant in terms of a child’s academic journey and emotional development.
Our online school keeps class sizes small with 10 or fewer students per class, enabling learners to get the best out of their education with tailored classes and feedback, engaging and interactive components, and dedicated support.
