Impact of Overcrowded Classrooms on Pupils’ Performance in Public Primary Schools: A Case of Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

This study explores the impact of overcrowded classroom on pupils’ performance in Morogoro Municipality. The research methodology employed mixed approach and case study design. Furthermore, Probability and non-probability sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 350. The study employed questionnaire, interview, observation and documentation for data collection. The SPSS V20 was used to analyze the quantitative data while the qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The findings of this study revealed that classrooms are overcrowded beyond the required standard of 1:45 and so hinders pupils’ cognitive, affective and psychomotor performance. However, the findings indicate that the affective performance is more affected in overcrowded classrooms. These findings underscore the urgent need of additional classrooms to reduce the challenge of overcrowding in primary schools. Implementing strategies like the use of ICT in large classes and use of school hall in case of need could help to avoid the impact of overcrowded classroom on pupils’ performance. In Conclusion, this study highlights the adverse impact of overcrowded classroom on pupils’ performance. The findings enrich the policy makers, teachers and other education stakeholders in understanding the dimension of performance that is required to be attained by pupils.