The Impact of Overcrowded Classrooms on Learning and Student Engagement

By Sarah Chavez

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of overcrowded classrooms on both teachers and students. The excessive number of students in each class, often exceeding 40, created an environment where effective learning and individualized attention was challenging. The consequences of overcrowded classrooms run deeper than too many students in one class. It includes the strain it placed on teachers, the limited access to resources and support for students, and the resulting decline in attendance and motivation.

The overwhelming number of students per class had a significant impact on the ability of teachers to effectively engage with each individual. Some teachers appeared overwhelmed and checked out, struggling to meet the diverse needs of their students or blatantly disregarding students that required additional assistance due to learning disabilities or personal circumstances. There were some that flat out ignored students or refused to teach the required lessons for the day, not caring what the students did. There were also faculty that were so enraged at the district for inadequate pay or refusal to provide funding for materials, they began to resent and lash out at their students. This situation created an unfortunate cycle where students felt neglected and disengaged, exacerbating the challenges faced in the classroom.

The result of overcrowded classrooms extended beyond the immediate learning environment. The strain on teachers and lack of individual attention led to lower attendance rates among students. When students felt unseen and unheard, they were less motivated to participate actively in class. This decline in attendance had a direct impact on the funding allocated to schools, as attendance rates often play a role in determining the financial support received. Thus, overcrowding not only affected students' learning experiences but also hindered the availability of resources necessary for their educational development.

Students were repeatedly reminded by school staff that they were not the only ones seeking assistance. The overwhelming number of students needing help led to the perception that individual needs were secondary to the collective demands of the class. Consequently, students felt discouraged from seeking individual help and were instead encouraged to rely on their peers for support. While peer collaboration is valuable, it should not be a substitute for personalized guidance from teachers who possess the expertise and knowledge necessary to address individual learning needs. 

Overall, overcrowded classrooms have a profound impact on the learning environment, affecting both teachers and students. The strain placed on teachers due to overwhelming class sizes leads to diminished attention and engagement with students. Students, in turn, face challenges such as limited resources, inadequate support, and a sense of being overlooked. Collaboratively, we must urge policymakers to prioritize higher educator pay, allocate ample resources, and ensure fair corporate taxation to fund our public schools and address class size challenges.