The Department of Education recently announced their intent to open the next school year as early as August 23. With the current school year expected to end by July 10, the usual academic break between two school years would be shortened from 6 weeks to only 2 months. The department continues to hope that the decision would not pose much difficulty for students and teachers. Although it is yet to be formally implemented, all insights and judgments are pointing at the same direction.
Unexpectedly, the department received flak when they initially announced their intent to shorten the summer break. As schools and universities have adopted the flexible learning policy, the new teaching and learning method is expected to continue in the upcoming academic years. Students, and teachers alike share some concerns in the shortened break, as it leaves them less time to rest and prepare.
Advantages of the usual 6 weeks of student’s break
During the school year, missing a week in school poses a lot of problems and sets students behind. It leaves the students with a lot of catching up to do and can impede the natural course of learning. Stress and burnout is more During the school year, missing a school day poses a lot of problems and sets students behind. It leaves the students with a lot of catching up to do and can impede the natural course of learning. Stress and burnout is more likely as they would try to make up with the missed time and deal with the current lessons. The summer break gives these students the opportunity to go on a break without missing school stuff. It gives them the luxury to rest and enjoy several weeks of break without worrying about the possible compensation that would come afterward.
The usual 6 weeks of break also enables the students to spend more time with their families and attend to their hobbies. A lot of activities and skills are developed and nurtured during these period of time. Skills that add up to students’ competencies outside the academic institution.
Moreover, the opportunity for a change of pace also arise. Changes in pace and perspective are important to avoid burnout and low morale. A sufficient break from academic studies give the students the mental space needed for personal development.
Disadvantages of the usual 6 weeks of student’s break
One of the primary concerns in long breaks, is the likelihood of students falling out of practice and the struggle to maintain a structured schedule. When students no longer worry about their time of waking and the duties and tasks that assignments bring for quite some time, they experience difficulty in re-acclimating once the new academic year begins.
Being considerate, it is also important to note that conflicts may arise at home. Not all families have a normal home setup and students prefer spending time in other places. Increased conflict at home is a possibility for a minority of the students.
Furthermore, having too much time on their hands can lead to stagnation. As much as there are students attending to their hobbies during this time, there are also students who are much prone to experience boredom. These students may run out of ideas to keep themselves occupied and thus, lead to mental stagnation. At worse, this may even carry over to the time when the next academic year begins.
No Going Back to Traditional Classes
It was reiterated countless times already that the flexible learning policy is here to stay. With that on horizon, educators would also be immensely affected by the shortening of student break as well. Like the students, educators also face the challenge of finding rest and being prepared for the next academic year. Teachers and professors must also put together and prepare themselves after a whole year of teaching synchronous and asynchronous lessons. With flexible learning being the new normal, students and faculty members are now adjusting better compared to when it was first adopted. What will happen is a flexible system where universities will mix and match flexible learning methods appropriate to their situation.
There are definitely multiple valid advantages and disadvantages when it comes to shortening the student’s break. The Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education both openly expressed their intent to pursue the flexible learning policy. With that on mind, student’s break are important now more than ever, as both teachers and students are transitioning to a much different teaching and learning style.
A safe reminder to all, as the school break is fast approaching, keep in mind to stay safe and enjoy the break at the comfort of your home. There are a lot of interesting hobbies to be learned and developed indoors that will make you both safe and productive as the break comes. Regardless if it’s 4 weeks or 6 weeks of break, be sure to make the most out of it safely and enjoyably.
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Written by Ohrwyn Phillip S. Bautista
