Performance of the 4-Day School Week
See yourself as a dedicated teacher, relieved at the thought of a shorter work week. The heavy burden of transportation costs, made worse by a staggering 150% increase in transportation costs, will soon be reduced. The idea of ​​teaching just four days a week will undoubtedly bring great relaxation, not only to you but to many teachers across the country. This all started when I read a story about the state of Colorado, where a brave state had the courage to challenge the norm. In May of 2019, news broke of their attempt to implement a 4-day school week. Curiosity arose, an idea took hold, and my mind was filled with thoughts and what I could do.
Fast forward to now, four years later, and read another story about the decision of the Edo state government in Nigeria. Here, within a different context and for a different reason, the state government has adopted the idea of ​​a three-day school week. It’s a tale of mutual innovation, reminiscent of Colorado’s trailblazing spirit, and it captured my imagination. Could this be the start of a far-reaching trend, changing education as we know it?
Colorado Vs. The Edo model
In both Colorado and Edo, the main goal remained the same: to shorten the school week while compensating for extra hours. Students and teachers alike would enjoy the luxury of an extended weekend, full of opportunities. For example, in Edo, Nigeria, in order to reduce pressure on the release of fuel aid, schools will only open for three days (Monday to Wednesday). In the state of Colorado, they have adopted a 4-day week (Tuesday to Friday) to reduce stress and be able to deal with payroll workers.
In both cases, although students would attend school only on selected days, an extra hour or two was added to each day to cover the curriculum. This approach allowed older students to explore a space of freedom and self-discovery. They can choose to stay at home, focus on developing online courses or even go out into the world, gain work experience and a taste of financial independence.
My Thoughts
The recent upheaval caused by the global pandemic of COVID-19 has shown that physical proximity is not the only way to learn and work. The dramatic revolution in online education that took place in 2020 has awakened opportunities in the field of blended learning. The integration of technology with traditional face-to-face instruction provides a path to the future. With the advent of cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the implementation of such a paradigm shift has become more attainable.
Imagine, if you will, a world where organizations easily adapt to work shifts, giving their employees the freedom to choose specific work days. Some have even designed remote teams, eliminating the need for physical meetings. In this situation, dear participants of education, the 4-day school week appears as a natural progression.
However, let’s tread carefully, because change must be carefully planned. As an advocate of this change of perspective, I propose a hierarchical approach. Start with a 4-day week, allowing the participants to get used to this new normal gradually. Use this stage of change to identify what’s working and what needs improvement, developing a culture of continuous growth and refinement. Let me suggest a few things that I would put in place if I were to do this…
1. Record Overtime Productivity
Just imagine, in one more desirable day, students are actively engaged in independent activities, honing their skills, and delving deeper into their chosen fields. While younger students enjoy the freedom to play, learn, and explore, their older counterparts must show the fruits of their labor—a record of completed online work. This evidence can take the form of relevant technical courses or use a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS). Teachers, too, will use this extra day to prepare carefully, ensuring that their lessons are engaging and relevant to the curriculum. They will also be required to participate in regular professional development, attend scheduled training sessions, workshops, and networking events once a month.
2. Continuous Professional Development for Teachers
The essence of progress lies in our unwavering commitment to professional growth. As educators in the twenty-first century, living in the age of AI, we cannot stand still while the world around us evolves. Embracing technology as a strong partner, we must equip ourselves with the necessary skills to navigate the modern educational environment. Training programs should empower teachers to harness the power of Learning Management Systems, video conferencing tools, and simple yet effective assessment methods. Rather than fearing the arrival of Artificial Intelligence, we should embrace it as a tool to improve our skills and grow them for career purposes.
3. Revision of the Curriculum
A key aspect of this revolutionary journey is the re-examination of our beloved curriculum. As we move forward, our teaching methods, content and assessment methods must be evaluated, modified and adapted to the evolving needs of our students. Flipped learning, where students absorb information at home through technology resources and engage in interactive discussions and activities in the classroom, is emerging as a powerful teaching method. Using active technology, we ignite the spark in our students, enabling them to take an active role in their education.
4. Educational Use of Technology
Dear participants, it is important that we acknowledge the pedagogical implications of technology integration. A seamless marriage between technology and teaching requires a strong pedagogical foundation, one that takes into account the unique power of technology and cultivates an environment where students become active creators rather than passive consumers. The lack of this is the main reason for many projects including schools and technology that have failed. This pedagogy should enter the minds of both teachers and students, unite their purpose and empower them to unleash the full potential of technology.
The conclusion
In conclusion, dear readers, I strongly believe that the 4-day school week is not just a funny idea but a real, transformative opportunity in education. Through its use, we have the ability to improve student learning, raise teacher morale, and optimize school finances. However, let’s face this future with caution and in a spirit of flexibility. Participants must be accountable for demonstrating evidence of online activity and engaging in professional development. Our curriculum needs a complete re-examination, with technology as a strong partner to unlock new aspects of understanding and collaboration.
Now, dear participants, I turn to you. What do you think about this? Do you think more schools and districts should pick up on this and embrace the transformative power of the 4-day school week? Let the conversation begin!