Extra Classes at Lunchtimes

mirrorwall14

Hi everyone,

This has been buzzing around in my head for a while so I'd be curious to hear some opinions on this. Lunchtime classes have become very prevalent in our school. Students have extra science at lunch on Monday, extra maths at lunch another day, Irish another day etc.

I take issue with this as students come into afternoon classes exhausted and by last class are dead on their feet, particularly juniors. They're still eating their lunch coming in the door and haven't had any opportunity to socialise during lunch.

I honestly don't think it's fair to students. Surely the syllabus should be teachable within the class time? When did it become the norm to run extra classes at lunch, after school and during holidays? School is long enough without extra classes in my opinion, there are other skills students need to develop apart from their subjects.

Redser87

I remember having extra lunchtime classes for Maths and languages when I was in Sixth Year, but seeing as you have mentioned the juniors it is clearly not just exam classes.
Are the classes being put on by young teachers who want to impress the principal? Or by teachers with families of their own who can't do after school clubs or classes but who would like to help their students when they can?
Is it only classes that are happening or extracurricular activities too? I wouldn't mind if they had spent lunchtime at student council meetings or something, but I agree with you that they need a break from academic thinking.
Another thing I wonder is if this trend is only happening since the advent of Croke Park hours, whereas previously extra classes might have been held after school.

evolving_doors

If it's getting close to exam time with 3rd or 6th years then it's understandable. I'd guess that most schools are finding it tricky to finish the maths course (for reasons mentioned elsewhere).

But getting back to the nub of it. I don't think it's healthy, I remember trying to twist a student's arm to do an extra curricular activity on a certain day (6thyr) and he said "no way, it's the only day I get to talk to my friends and eat my lunch". So I think you're right, students need down time, especially if their brains are full and they have 3-4 classes to go after lunch. Also they need social interaction at some stage, even if it's just kicking back and shooting the breeze with their classmates (it shouldn't be left to online time).

It'll probably filter into later worklife too where employees are nearly ashamed to leave their work and 'have lunch'.

Again though we're back to precedent and solidarity amongst staff. It was like the thread about a year ago where the teacher was under pressure to provide notes and 'after school care' via online because students were away at matches. Because a critical number of teachers were doing it then everyone was expected to do it. It creeps in occasionally in our school when teachers are asked -not if but- 'when' they are putting on the lunchtime revision classes (because another teacher was doing it!). So it's kind of OKish if you're the only teacher of that subject.. but if there's other classes/teachers of the same year/subject then hmmmm.

Something to be discussed at a staff meeting (or are school issues discussed at staff meetings anymore?).

RealJohn

I usually put on extra maths classes for leaving certs but I never use them for covering the course. They're strictly for revision and practicing questions. I don't think it's reasonable or fair to either students or teachers to put on compulsory extra classes, causing the students to miss out if they're not present in what should be their rest/leisure time.

It also helps when the parents of the lazier students (who don't turn up most of the time) start asking questions about poor results. You offered extra classes. They didn't come.

evolving_doors

RealJohn wrote: »

I usually put on extra maths classes for leaving certs but I never use them for covering the course. They're strictly for revision and practicing questions. I don't think it's reasonable or fair to either students or teachers to put on compulsory extra classes, causing the students to miss out if they're not present in what should be their rest/leisure time.

It also helps when the parents of the lazier students (who don't turn up most of the time) start asking questions about poor results. You offered extra classes. They didn't come.

Be careful with that though. It might be asked " well what is wrong with your planning and teaching that you can't get through the course like every other teacher in the allotted time? ".

Might be said around a staffroom too! Especially if another teacher is finished the course ahead of you and is also being asked for extra classes.

joebloggs32

Gebgbegb wrote: »

Be careful with that though. It might be asked " well what is wrong with your planning and teaching that you can't get through the course like every other teacher in the allotted time? ".

Might be said around a staffroom too! Especially if another teacher is finished the course ahead of you and is also being asked for extra classes.

You could really be hung out to dry on this. It is a point few teachers realise.

TheDriver

It can also friction between teachers where some teachers feel pressure from colleagues. Also kids feel they must turn up. Lastly, some teachers think there is no other subject other than their own and don't know when to stop.
Havng said that, the efforts are commendable and appreciated but I do question the value of it. Except maybe practical subjects getting projects finished

RealJohn

Gebgbegb wrote: »

Be careful with that though. It might be asked " well what is wrong with your planning and teaching that you can't get through the course like every other teacher in the allotted time? ".

Which is why, like I said, I don't do any work on material that hasn't been covered in the extra classes. They're strictly for revision and exam prep.

Redser87

Would the teacher get any form of a break? That is a long day if another slot can't be used for downtime for yourself.