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The Impact of Class Size Reduction on Student Achievement and Teacher Morale in Gambian Senior Secondary Schools West Coast Region

Author

Listed:
  • Fatou K. Fatty

    (School of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan Hubei Province P.R China (430074))

  • Prof. Liu Changhai

    (School of Education, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan Hubei Province P.R China (430074))

  • Dr. Aboubacar Jallow

    (University of Education the Gambia, West Africa)

  • Dr. Keita Seydou

    (Central China Normal University/ School of Foreign Languages / Hubei- Wuhan P.R China)

  • Sulayman Ceesay

    (School of Public Administration, Huazhong University of Science and Technology College of Public Administration Wuhan Hubei Province P.R China (430074))

  • Demba S. M. Yabou

    (Demba SM Yabou Registrar university of Education the Gambia)

Abstract

This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to investigate the impact of class size reduction on student academic achievement and teacher morale in Gambian senior secondary schools. The quantitative phase used a quasi-experimental, cross-sectional differential design with 360 Grade 11 science students and a correlational predictive design with 80 science teachers. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews and classroom observations with 12 purposively selected teachers. The Integrated Science Achievement Test (ISAT) and the Science Teacher Morale and Efficacy Scale (STMES) were administered following rigorous pilot testing (ISAT KR20 = 0.84; STMES subscale α = 0.79–0.86). Independent samples t-tests revealed that students in reduced classes (≤35 students) significantly outperformed those in large classes (>55 students) on total ISAT scores (t(358)=9.85, p

Suggested Citation

  • Fatou K. Fatty & Prof. Liu Changhai & Dr. Aboubacar Jallow & Dr. Keita Seydou & Sulayman Ceesay & Demba S. M. Yabou, 2026. "The Impact of Class Size Reduction on Student Achievement and Teacher Morale in Gambian Senior Secondary Schools West Coast Region," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS), vol. 11(6), pages 1064-1075, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjf:journl:v:11:y:2026:i:6:p:1064-1075
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