The idea of shorter school days may seem like a simple solution to reducing educational costs, but the impact of this decision is far-reaching. This action can have a detrimental effect on student learning, leading to a loss of knowledge, skills, and motivation.
To cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, the Edo state government had to reduce school days. It has directed public primary and secondary a schools across the Eighteen local government areas to open for three days only.
Mrs. Ozavize Salami, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) disclosed the State Government’s decision to shorten school days.
So many reactions have continued to trail this decision.
In this blog post we’ll explore the many ways that shorter school days can negatively impact students, families, and communities.
Ripple effect of few learning days on school children
The government has cited economic reasons as the basis for reducing the learning time of students.
Even then, we can’t ignore the our school children. Some of these include reduced interest in learning.
Also shorter school days means less time tudents to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Also, students will have less time to build relationships with their teachers and peers. This is not all.
There will also be no time for the students to participate in extracurricular activities.
Additionally, there will be no time for support services like counseling or tutoring challenged learners.
Compression of school work to three days of learning can lead to information overload, fatigue and low retention rates.
This also implies that there will be less time to master concepts and school learning materials.
How shorter school days is affecting families
Families are trying to adjust to the reduced number of school days. News reports has revealed that many parents are not happy with the development.
Many parents now have to make alternate childcare arrangements for their children for the days they are not in school.
This implies that they will make additional financial sacrifices to cover the cost of alternate childcare.
Many parents have also complained that their budget on food has been overstretched. This is because their children consume more food when they are at home.
Also the inability of some parents to keep their children productively engaged on no-school-days, has exposed them to all manner of vices.
How Government decision will impact on the society
Shortening school days may seem beneficial at the interim. However, we must consider it’s long-term impact on the society to avoid them.
Children are believed to be the leaders of tomorrow and the future of any society.
If they are not given the right education, they are likely to derail and become a big problem to the society.
Shorter school days will definitely reduced the quality of education that our children will be receiving.
This may result in decreased productivity which can have a massive negative impact on the economy.
Low quality education will also lead to a less educated workforce in the long term.
Another impact on society will be increase in crime rates. This may occur when idle children are exposed or lured to crime.
In conclusion, the choice to shorten school days may seem simple, but the consequences are complex.
As we consider the future of education, it’s important to weigh all the factors involved and make decisions that are in the best interests of our students and schools.
By working together, we can ensure that our children have the opportunities they need to succeed.
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