Practicality of a four-day week
As a dedicated teacher, imagine yourself feeling relieved at the thought of a shorter work week. The burden of commuting costs, compounded by a staggering 150% increase in transport costs, will soon be eased. The idea of teaching just four days a week will definitely provide a welcome break, not just for you, but for countless educators across the country. It all started when I read an article about Colorado, where a bold district dared to challenge conventional wisdom. In May 2019, a bold attempt to introduce a four-day school week was reported. My curiosity was piqued, the idea took hold, and my mind was filled with thoughts and possibilities.
Fast forward four years later, I read another news article about a decision by the Edo State government in Nigeria. Here, in different circumstances and for different reasons, the state government adopted the concept of three-day school week. This is a story of parallel innovation reminiscent of Colorado’s pioneering spirit that captivated my imagination. Is this the beginning of a widespread trend that will change education as we know it?
Colorado vs. Edo model
In both Colorado and Ed, the basic principle was consistent: condensing the school week by supplementing it with additional hours. Students and teachers alike will enjoy the luxury of a long weekend full of possibilities. For example, in Edo, Nigeria, schools will only be open for three days, from Monday to Wednesday, to ease pressure to remove fuel subsidies. The Colorado district has adopted a four-day work week (Tuesday through Friday) to relieve pressure and help pay staff.
In both cases, students attend school only on the days they choose, but with an additional 1-2 hours each day to cover the curriculum. This approach allowed older students to explore areas of freedom and self-discovery. They can stay at home and indulge in a fulfilling online course, or they can choose to venture out into the world to gain work experience and become financially independent.
my thoughts
The recent disruption caused by the global coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has proven that physical proximity is not the only route to learning and working. The remarkable shift to online education witnessed in 2020 has awakened us to the possibilities that lie in the realm of blended learning. The blending of technology and traditional face-to-face instruction offers an attractive path to the future. With the advent of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, achieving such a paradigm shift is becoming increasingly possible.
Imagine a world where organizations seamlessly adapt to work shifts and give employees the freedom to choose specific work days. Some have created fully remote teams, eliminating the need for physical meetings. Under these circumstances, educators, a four-day school week has emerged as a natural progression.
But be careful, because changes must be carefully orchestrated. As an advocate of change in this vision, I propose a step-by-step approach. We will start with four days a week to allow those involved to gradually get used to this new normal. Use this transition phase to identify what is working and what needs improvement, and foster a culture of continuous growth and refinement. Let me suggest a few things to put in place if you implement this…
1. Record of a fulfilling day
On this coveted special day, imagine students passionately pursuing independent pursuits, honing their skills, and delving deeper into their chosen fields. While younger students enjoy being free to play, learn, and explore, older students need to demonstrate the fruits of their labor: a record of completed work online. This evidence can take the form of relevant professional courses or the use of a comprehensive learning management system (LMS). Teachers also use this extra day for thorough preparation to ensure their lessons are engaging and aligned with the curriculum. You will also be expected to attend organized training sessions, workshops, and networking events once a month and participate in professional development on a regular basis.
2. Continuing professional development for teachers
The essence of progress lies in our unwavering commitment to professional growth. As 21st century educators living in the age of AI, we cannot afford to remain stagnant as the world around us evolves. We must embrace technology as a solid ally and equip ourselves with the skills necessary to navigate the modern educational environment. Training programs should equip teachers to utilize learning management systems, video conferencing tools, and simple but effective assessment methods. Rather than fearing the emergence of artificial intelligence, we must embrace it as a tool to enhance our profession and make the most of it for our work purposes.
3. Reevaluate the curriculum
A fundamental aspect of this transformational journey is the re-evaluation of our beloved curriculum. As we move forward, we must consider and adjust our educational approaches, content, and assessment methods to adapt to the evolving needs of our students. Flipped learning, where students absorb knowledge through technological resources at home and engage in interactive discussions and practical applications in the classroom, is emerging as a powerful educational approach. By leveraging technology, we ignite a spark in students’ minds and allow them to become active participants in their education.
4. Educational use of technology
Dear stakeholders, it is important to be aware of the educational implications of technology integration. Seamlessly integrating technology and education requires a sound pedagogical foundation that takes into account the unique affordances of technology and fosters an environment in which students can become active creators rather than simply passive consumers. This lack is a major reason why many school-technology integration projects fail. This pedagogy must penetrate the minds of both educators and students, uniting them with purpose and enabling them to realize the full potential of technology.
conclusion
In conclusion, dear reader, I strongly believe that the four-day school week is not just a whimsical concept, but has concrete and transformative potential for education. Through its implementation, we can enhance student learning, improve teacher morale, and optimize school finances. But let us approach this future with a spirit of caution and adaptability. Stakeholders must be responsible for demonstrating evidence of online work and engaging in professional development. Our curriculum requires a thorough re-evaluation, with technology as a powerful partner to unlock new dimensions of understanding and engagement.
Now, dear stakeholders, please. What do you think about this? Do you think more schools and states should adopt this and embrace the transformative power of a four-day school week? Start the conversation!
Originally published at trystingedunetwork.com.
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