Several educators have emphasized that extending the mid-year holiday excessively has detrimental effects on students and is considered a disservice to them, especially when educational losses are still a prevalent issue.
The extended holiday negatively impacts students’ mentalities, hindering their learning and thinking skills. It is crucial to understand the reasons behind this concern and the proposed solutions to address the issue effectively.
Abdullah Al-Anazi, Assistant Director at Ahmed Al-Adwani Secondary School, highlighted the negative impact on students’ mentalities due to the extended holiday, emphasizing the need for a shorter break to avoid disruptions and ensure a smooth transition into the second semester. Al-Anazi’s insights shed light on the importance of maintaining a consistent learning environment for students, preventing any gaps in their education.
Nayef Ali Al-Faras, Director of Abu Tammam Middle School for Boys, attributed the extended vacation to the linkage of twelfth-grade exams with other classes, leading to reduced study hours and academic achievement during the first semester. Al-Faras proposed solutions such as utilizing only secondary school staff for twelfth-grade exam committees and involving other resources for administrative tasks. These suggestions aim to optimize the allocation of resources and create a more balanced academic calendar.
Samar Al-Omani, former supervisor of kindergartens in the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Educational Zone, criticized the extended holiday, referring to it as a time-wasting break with no academic foundation. Al-Omani’s perspective raises concerns about students losing academic and cognitive skills due to the interruption of formal education. Her insights highlight the need for a well-structured academic calendar that maximizes learning opportunities for students.
Ayed Al-Subaie, Assistant Director of Al-Sabahiya Secondary School for Boys, goes even further, terming the extended mid-year vacation as a “crime against students,” especially at the primary level. Al-Subaie questions the logic behind a vacation lasting more than a month and points out the significant mistake of separating twelfth-grade exams from other levels. His strong stance emphasizes the negative impact on students’ academic achievement and calls for a serious examination and solutions to address the consequences.
Teacher Khalaf Nasser adds another dimension to the discussion by emphasizing the need to reconsider and officially commit to the academic calendar. Nasser notes the pressure on students during the first semester to complete the curriculum quickly, resulting in incomplete academic achievements. Prolonging the spring break, starting it well before it commences, is seen as painful and negatively affects students, especially given the current context of educational losses. Nasser’s insights highlight the importance of balancing the academic calendar to ensure students receive a comprehensive education.
In conclusion, educators have provided valuable insights into the impact of extended mid-year holidays on students. The negative effects on students’ mentalities, learning, and academic achievements cannot be ignored. It is crucial to consider the proposed solutions, such as shorter breaks, optimizing resource allocation, and maintaining a well-structured academic calendar. By addressing these concerns, educational institutions can create an environment that maximizes learning opportunities and supports students’ overall development.
Source: TimesKuwait
