Teacher-Student Ratio and Application of Group Work in Teaching and Learning in Secondary Schools of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Bushenyi District

Abstract

The study examined the influence of teacher-student ratios on the application of group work in secondary schools within Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. Objectives included to establish the current teacher-student ratio in secondary schools, to explore the application of group work in teaching and learning in secondary schools and to examine how teacher-student ratios influence the application of group work in secondary schools of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Bushenyi District. A cross-sectional qualitative design was employed, with data collected through questionnaires from 50 teachers, interviews with 5 headteachers, and observations of 50 students across five secondary schools, using purposive and random sampling to select participants, while reliability and validity of instruments were ensured through pre-testing and expert review; data were analyzed thematically to capture perceptions, challenges, and strategies in applying group work under varying class sizes. The results revealed that current teacher-student ratios ranged between 1:50 and 1:80, far above the recommended 1:45, which undermines effective supervision and individualized support, and while group work is practiced, its application remains uneven, favoring practical subjects more than theoretical ones, with overcrowding leading to unequal participation, limited teacher guidance, and diminished collaborative effectiveness, though some teachers mitigate these challenges by forming smaller groups and appointing peer leaders. The study concluded that high teacher-student ratios negatively affect the effective application of group work by restricting engagement, peer interaction, and collaborative problem solving, yet noted that group work still holds potential to enhance learning if supported by manageable class sizes and adequate teacher facilitation. It is therefore recommended that the Ministry of Education reduce teacher-student ratios through increased recruitment and infrastructure improvement.