%0 Journal Article
%T The Opportunities and Challenges of Declining Birthrates for Small-Class Science Teaching in Secondary Schools
%A Xinyi Hu
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 12
%N 11
%P 1-8
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2025
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1114434
%X Amidst China¡¯s declining birthrates, junior high science education is shifting from scale expansion to quality enhancement, with small-class teaching being a key strategy. This multi-method study reveals that smaller classes promote interactive, inquiry-based learning, boosting student engagement, innovation, and critical thinking. Success depends on teachers transitioning from knowledge transmitters to learning facilitators, requiring training in differentiated instruction and educational technology. Policy support¡ªoptimized teacher allocation and reformed evaluation systems¡ªis essential for effective implementation. The study offers strategic insights for adapting basic education to demographic change.
%K Fewer Births
%K Science Education
%K Small-Class Teaching
%K Teacher Role
%K Education Policy
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/6877553