Extended School Time: Impact on Learning and Teaching

Abstract

<p style="text-align: justify;">This paper presents and assesses the effects of an Extended School Time project (ESTp), with a working day of 8 contact hours, that aimed to develop the students as a whole in its academic, artistic, sport, social and human dimensions. Based in active and integrated pedagogical practices, the project promoted the integration of knowledges, curiosity, sense of criticism, creativity, sharing solidarity and the conviviality of students. This project was applied to a 6th grade class with 20 pupils (11.2±0.68 years old). Using a qualitative methodology, 13 semi structured interviews were applied to 3 types of participants: 6 pupils, 5 parents (42.6±4.54 years old) and 2 teachers (60±4 years old), in order to analyze their perceptions regarding the project. Results show that each group valued different aspects of the project. The pupils valued activities that emphasized challenge, communication, creativity, and autonomy, as well as activities of academic continuity. The parents focused mostly on the occupational component of Extended School Time (ESTp), and the teachers on its effects on social and self-development of the pupils. This development was reflected in an improved peer-to-peer relationship and in a greater sense of belonging to school. The convergence verified in this ESTp, between cognition and the artistic, social and sport education, sought to promote the main goal of the School, an instruction that promotes a global (including multicultural and universal) development of the pupils’ capabilities.</p>

Investigating the Possibility of Implementing Kayak-canoe and Rowing Topics in the School Curriculum for the Danube Delta Area

“…The integration of activities based on Nautical Sports (Rowing, Sailing, and Canoeing) in Extended School Time projects for Portuguese children (11.2 years) have a role in improving social activities and academic performance. Progress in respect of rules, level of autonomy, awareness of the environment and mutual help is highlighted for the studied students (Cabral et al, 2021). Our results indicate a high confidence given by teachers to rowing and kayak-canoeing, as activities that facilitate the achievement of general and specific competencies related to school programs in the discipline of physical education.…”

Curriculum overload in Nigerian Junior Secondary Schools: Constraints to Quality Teaching and Learning Process

“…It was reported that Asian countries with less time spent in school consistently outperform students in Africa and United States students in subjects like math and science which transcend to grooming innovators and producers. It simply means that the amount of time used in schools does not really bring about concrete learning and building problem solvers (Pedro, Francisco, & Ricardo 2021).…”