Class Time and Learning Time
Sep 12, 2007
Does longer class time create better students?
School is back in session! For the next 10 months children will spend the better part of their days being students—but how much classroom time is enough to ensure that our children are getting the best quality education possible?
The amount of time spent in the classroom correlates to the amount of time that is spent learning. Are students who spend more time in class at an academic advantage? Or is it merely an issue of quality or quantity?
Results on Federal testing have been major motivators for educators across Canada and the US. When New Brunswick students received the lowest scores in the Canada, the response was to increase class time to 5.25 hours a day, not including recess.
But there are problems associated with an extended school day. Apart from no formal research ever being conducted into the matter, children only have so much attention span and even the most dedicated of students can lose focus after five hours of instruction.
According to The Canadian Council on Learning, the best way to see results in the classroom is not based on quality of learning, not quantity of class time. Students who are active learners and remain engaged in their learning during instruction time—regardless of length—get the most out of their education, doing better on testing. Active learning during class time is the best way to ensure that the quality of class time is equal to quantity.
“If you are not engaged in your learning, chances are that you’re not going to learn much.” Charles Ungerleider, Director of Research Canadian Council on Learning.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Stay tuned for upcoming discussions on the subject.
Read more on the subject of class time.
Comments(2)
Find this article online at: www.oxfordlearning.com/letstalk/2007/sep/12/class-time-and-learning-time/
Tom Hawks, Centre Director, Ajax & Pickering - Sep 13, 2007
There is no doubt that Active Learning is the key to successful learning. I see it every day in the work we do with our students and my own kids at home. We, as teachers and parents, must be sure our students' brains are awake, open and engaged if we expect any learning to occur. No matter how hard the wind is blowing outside, fresh air can't get inside unless a window is open. That's why developing open, active minds is such a high priority at our Oxford Learning Centres.
Kule Julius Warren - May 31, 2008
Longer clss time dony create better students.
Learning can not take place unless the learner is willing to learn. students need to be taught at the time they are ready to learn. This does not mean asking them when they would be ready to learn some thing. It involves creating a learning atmosphere that naturally creates an internal interest. For example a caring attitude by teachers, an open mind by those who give instruction and ging work or assignments that bear meaning to the child. Remember you can take a horse to a river to drink, but as long as it is not willing to drink, it will not. The focus of education should be to develop the child's capabilities and not to force him/her stay in class longer in class.In childhoo education, simple basics carry a child far. Also do remember that an educated person is one who knows lttle, but knows much about the lesss and less.
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