Focus on G1-12 Education
SERVING BOSTON SINCE 1994
In today’s increasingly competitive world, it is important for students to not only meet the academic standards set by schools, but to also go above and beyond to reach their full potential. This is where extra learning after school comes in. Whether it’s through tutoring, enrichment programs, or simply taking advantage of additional resources, extra learning can help students build the skills and knowledge they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
One of the most pressing reasons for extra learning after school is the issue of learning loss. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has put this issue into sharp focus, as school closures and disruptions to traditional classroom instruction have left many students struggling to catch up. According to a study by Kirabo Jackson, Rucker Johnson, and Claudia Persico, “The Impact of COVID-19 on Students’ Learning: Evidence from the First Wave of Pandemic School Closures,” students from lower-income families and students of color were disproportionately affected by school closures, leading to significant learning loss.
This is where extra learning after school can make a big difference. By providing students with the opportunity to continue learning and practicing their skills, even outside of the traditional classroom setting, extra learning can help mitigate the effects of learning loss and ensure that students stay on track.
Another benefit of extra learning is that it can help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers. For example, a study by Martin West and L. Keith Wiediger, “Quantifying and Addressing Learning Loss During the COVID-19 Pandemic,” emphasized the importance of addressing the learning loss caused by school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors suggest that schools and policymakers need to invest in programs and policies that help students recover lost learning, so that they can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers.
Extra learning can also help students build the confidence and self-esteem they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. By having the opportunity to learn new subjects and skills, and to practice what they have learned, students can gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their achievements. This can help them develop the confidence and self-esteem they need to take on new challenges and overcome obstacles.
Finally, extra learning can help students develop important life skills such as time management, organization, and prioritization. By balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and extra learning, students can learn to manage their time effectively and to prioritize their responsibilities. This is an important skill that will serve them well both in the classroom and in their future careers.
In conclusion, extra learning after school is an important investment in a student’s future. Whether it’s to help mitigate the effects of learning loss, to build the skills and knowledge they need for their future careers, to build confidence and self-esteem, or to develop important life skills, extra learning has the potential to make a big difference in a student’s life. If you’re a student looking to get the most out of your education, or a parent looking to support your child’s academic success, consider the many benefits of extra learning after school.
