The effect of class size on grades and course evaluations: Evidence from multisection courses

Alexei Karas

Bulletin of Economic Research, 2021, vol. 73, issue 4, 624-642

Abstract: Using rich administrative data from a small Dutch liberal arts college, I study how the number of students enrolled in a course affects student grades and course evaluations. Exploiting variation across parallel sections of the same course taught by the same instructor, I show that class size has a significant negative effect on student grades in mandatory courses, but not in electives. I show similar results for various components of student course evaluations: perceived overall course quality, perceived amount learned, student participation and engagement. I interpret these findings to be consistent with class size affecting educational outcomes through student engagement.

Date: 2021
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