A small class is a class with fewer students than average, typically ranging from 10 to 20 students per class, while a large class usually holds more than 30 students in one room. This difference in student numbers directly affects how much attention a teacher can give each child, how material is delivered, and the overall learning atmosphere inside the classroom.

Both small and large classes have their own kelebihan dan kekurangan kelas kecil vs kelas besar di sekolah that parents need to weigh before choosing a school for their child. Small classes generally allow for more personal interaction between teacher and student, but they can limit the variety of social interaction a child has with peers. Large classes, on the other hand, offer a more diverse social environment, but often result in less evenly distributed teacher attention.

This article covers the advantages and disadvantages of each class size in full, from the academic and social sides to how effectively teachers can manage the classroom, so parents have a clear picture when deciding on the learning environment that best suits their child.

What Are Small Classes and Large Classes at School

There is no single standard that applies across all schools for what counts as a "small class" or a "large class." Generally speaking, though, a small class refers to a learning space with 10 to 20 students, while a large class usually holds more than 30 students at a time.

In Indonesia, the government has also regulated class capacity. Based on the standard that applies to primary and secondary education levels, one class typically holds between 28 and 36 students. Private schools, including international schools, usually set a much smaller number of students per class than this standard, since their main focus is the quality of interaction between teacher and student rather than simply filling up the room.

Understanding this definition is an important foundation before looking further into how each class size affects a child's learning process.

Advantages of Small Classes at School

Now that the definitions are clear, it's worth looking at the various benefits offered by classes with a limited number of students.

More Personal Teacher Attention

With fewer students, teachers have more time and energy to monitor each child's development individually. Teachers can more quickly recognize each student's learning style, strengths, and struggles, allowing the teaching approach to be tailored more specifically.

More Active Interaction and Discussion

A more intimate classroom atmosphere makes students feel more comfortable asking questions, sharing opinions, or joining discussions without feeling self-conscious in front of a large group. This encourages active participation, which ultimately helps deepen understanding of the material.

Easier Classroom Management

Teachers find it easier to maintain discipline and create a conducive learning atmosphere when the number of students isn't too high. Disruptions such as noise or students losing focus are also identified and handled more quickly.

Disadvantages of Small Classes at School

Behind these benefits, small classes also come with a few limitations parents should consider, including:

• Social variety and diversity of perspective become more limited because there are fewer peers, giving children fewer chances to interact with different characters and backgrounds.
• Operational cost per student tends to be higher for the school, since the number of teachers and facilities needed stays roughly the same even with fewer students. This usually translates into higher tuition compared to schools with larger classes.

Advantages of Large Classes at School

On the other hand, classes with more students also come with their own set of benefits.

A More Diverse Social Environment

Students are exposed to a wider range of characters, backgrounds, and viewpoints among their classmates. This can help build social skills, tolerance, and the ability to collaborate with a broader group of people.

More Cost-Efficient Education

Operational cost per student tends to be lower for the school, since one teacher and one classroom can accommodate more students at once. This efficiency often makes tuition at schools with larger classes more affordable.

Disadvantages of Large Classes at School

Despite their advantages, large classes also bring their own challenges to the teaching and learning process, including:

• Teacher attention becomes less evenly distributed among students, so a child who needs more intensive guidance may be overlooked.
• The potential for disruption and noise is higher, from side conversations to minor commotions, which can reduce learning focus.
• Teachers tend to find it harder to apply an individualized teaching approach, since they have to divide their time and attention across a larger number of students.

Several studies on class size, such as the research by Glass and Smith and the Project STAR study in Tennessee, generally found that smaller classes tend to produce better academic, social, and emotional outcomes compared to classes with a much larger number of students.

How to Choose the Right Class Size for Your Child

There's no single answer as to which is better between a small class and a large class, since it ultimately comes down to each child's individual needs. Some factors parents can consider include:

• The child's learning style. Children who tend to be shy or need personal guidance are usually better suited to small classes, while more sociable children may thrive in the dynamics of a larger class.
• The child's personality. A child who is easily distracted may need a calmer learning environment with fewer disruptions.
• The child's academic needs. If a child needs extra support in a particular subject, a class with a smaller teacher-to-student ratio can be more helpful.

Beyond considering the points above, it's important for parents to visit the school in person and observe the classroom atmosphere. This allows parents to see firsthand how the interaction between teachers and students unfolds, and to judge whether that environment fits their child's needs.

Sampoerna Academy and a Classroom Approach That Supports Child Development

Sampoerna Academy applies a classroom approach designed to support personal attention alongside healthy social interaction for every student. By keeping the number of students per class balanced, teachers can focus more closely on understanding each child's learning needs, without reducing students' opportunities to interact and collaborate with classmates from different backgrounds.

This approach is also supported by the STEAM learning method, which emphasizes collaboration and personalized learning, so students still receive close guidance from teachers while having room to grow socially alongside their classmates.

Both small and large classes play an important role in supporting a child's academic and social development, depending on how the school manages them. Most importantly, parents need to choose a learning environment that truly fits their child's needs and character, rather than simply following trends or general assumptions.

Schedule a school visit and discuss your child's learning needs with the Sampoerna Academy team to find the classroom environment that best fits your child.