Reduction in attainment with increasing student numbers in a university first-level genetics class

Abstract

The marks for a first year university genetics course for the period 1988/9 to 1995/6 have been analysed. This period was substantially free from changes in course content or assessment, but there was an increase in class size, from 68 to 151 students. The mean final mark fell by approximately 17 per cent (when effects of assessment changes are removed). The largest reductions in marks coincided with greatest increases in numbers of students. The absolute numbers of high attainment students was unchanged. Most students who attempted resit examinations then passed and, ultimately, obtained honours degrees. The evidence suggests that, whilst modification of teaching methods could help alleviate the problem, the increased numbers of students contained a proportion of less able students, who may have benefited from alternative courses.

Keywords:

• Class size
• Curriculum
• Genetics
• Failure rates
• Academic standards