Quality or Quantity: The Overcrowding of Students in Schools

YORADYL DIZOR

doi:10.62596/eir.18xyqs09

Authors

YORADYL C. DIZOR School of Engineering, Biliran Province State University, Naval, Biliran 6560, Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62596/eir.18xyqs09

Keywords:

Overcrowding, Educational Quality, Teacher Burnout

Abstract

This essay examines the detrimental effects of classroom overcrowding on teaching quality, student learning, and overall educational outcomes. While increasing access to education is commendable, the paper argues that it must not come at the expense of learning quality. Overcrowded classrooms reduce individual attention, strain physical resources, and wear down both students and teachers, often leading to burnout and disengagement. The author advocates for urgent, systemic reforms that prioritize not just quantity, but the quality and humanity of the educational experience.

References

Athieno, M., Charles, M., Mugagga, A., Taddeo, K., & Kaweesi, M. (2025). Contribution of infrastructural availability for school growth and sustainable improvement in academic performance in selected secondary schools in Tororo District. European Journal of Education. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12905

Castro, F. L. T., Ventura, B. L. O., Estajal, R. S., et al. (2024). Teachers handling multiple subject areas: Difficulties and adaptive attributes in the delivery of instructions. Environment and Social Psychology, 9(9), 2520. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i9.2520

Juldiz, K. (2025). The influence of class size on teacher-student interaction. International Journal of Pedagogics. https://doi.org/10.37547/ijp/volume05issue02-16

Macuka, I., Batur, I., & Burić, I. (2017). Emotional determinants of exhaustion and job satisfaction of elementary school teachers. Društvena Istraživanja, 26, 227–248. https://doi.org/10.5559/DI.26.2.05

Ruhala, R., Ruhala, L., Packer, C., & Patino, A. (2024). Survey of background noise levels inside classrooms on a college campus. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. https://doi.org/10.1121/10.0027290