When it comes to the length of the school day, many countries differ in their opinions. Some countries have long school days of upwards of nine hours while others have short school days mere hours long.
The country with the shortest school day in the world is Norway, who, as of 2018, have the world’s shortest school day with only six hours at the primary level. Here are 15 questions to help explain the shortest school day in the world and what benefits it might have.
1. Where is the country with the shortest school day in the world?
The country with the shortest school day in the world is Norway. Norway has the world’s shortest school day with only six hours or less at the primary level. This means that primary school hours in Norway are shorter than in any other country in the world.
2. How long is the school day in Norway?
In Norway, the school day can be as short as six hours for primary level students and up to seven hours for secondary school students. On Fridays, the school day is shorter in most schools, commonly being just four or five hours long.
This typically occurs once a week.
3. Why is the school day so short in Norway?
The short school day in Norway is due largely to the country’s focus on the importance of work-life balance. Norway places a high value on the individual, and as such, it is important that the school day is not too long so that students are able to have time to focus on other activities as well.
4. What are the benefits of a shorter school day?
The benefits of having a shorter school day have been studied extensively. One of the primary advantages is that students tend to be more productive when their class schedules are shorter.
This is due to the fact that students are able to get more rest and are able to focus more intently on their work when it is not stretched out for extended periods of time. Other benefits to having a shorter school day include increased student motivation, improved social/emotional wellbeing, and better student behaviour.
5. Are there countries other than Norway with short school days?
Yes, there are other countries that have a shorter school day than Norway. Finland is another European country that has a short school day, with primary students having a school day of around five hours. Additionally, the United States has several states that have students with shorter school days, including Maryland and Kentucky, who have shorter school days at the high school level.
6. Are there any studies that have been done regarding the effects of short school days?
Yes, multiple studies have been conducted with regards to the effects of short school days. One recent study was conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and it found that students who had a shorter school day of six hours were more alert and engaged in their classes than students who had longer school days of nine hours or more. Another study conducted by Harvard University in 2014 found that students who had shorter school days and shorter school weeks performed better than those who had longer school days.
7. Are there any disadvantages to having a shorter school day?
Despite the many benefits of having a shorter school day, there are some potential disadvantages as well. One effect is that shorter school days could mean less time for extracurricular activities that can be beneficial for personal and academic growth.
This could lead to students having less time to explore their interests and develop skills outside of their academic studies. Additionally, some students may not be able to fit their full course load into a shorter school day, which could lead to them having to take additional classes outside of the school day in order to complete their course load.
8. Is there any special way that the school day is structured in Norway in order to make the most of the limited time?
Yes, the Norwegian education system is structured in a way that makes the most of the limited school day. The school day is divided into three periods of instruction that usually last an hour and a half, with 10-minute break periods between them. There is also an additional 45-minute recess period that students receive during the middle of the day.
This structure ensures that students are able to receive a high-quality education within the shorter six-hour school day.
9. Is there a particular emphasis placed on the importance of recess and outside play time in Norway?
Yes, the Norwegian educational system places an emphasis on the importance of recess and outside play time. This could be due to the fact that Norway is in the Arctic, and being outside is important for both physical and mental health and wellbeing. Therefore, recess is seen as an important part of the school day in Norway, and not just as an opportunity for students to take a break from their studies.
10. Are there any other countries starting to adopt the idea of shorter school days?
Yes, there are other countries around the world that are starting to adopt the idea of shorter school days. Countries such as Japan, Hungary, and the United Kingdom are beginning to decrease their school days from nine hours to around six or seven hours. Additionally, there are even some schools in the United States that are experimenting with shortening their school days to six hours.
11. How can students best make use of their newfound free time when having a shorter school day?
Students can use their newfound free time in a variety of ways. One of the best things that students can do is to use the time to pursue their own interests. This could include exploring new hobbies, joining a club, or even just having time to relax and unwind.
With the free time granted with a shorter school day, students have the opportunity to take their learning into their own hands and explore topics that interest them.
12. Are there any other countries that are considering reducing the length of their school days?
Yes, there are several countries that are considering reducing the length of their school days. Countries such as France, Ireland, and Spain are all considering reducing their school days from nine or more hours to six or seven.
Additionally, the United States is considering shorter school days at a number of schools around the country.
13. How long does the average school day last in the world?
The average school day in the world lasts around six to seven hours, depending on the country. Norway has the world’s shortest school day with just six hours.
Other countries have school days that are slightly longer, with France and the United Kingdom both having a school day of eight hours.
14. What kind of impact could shorter school days have on academic performance?
Most studies that have been done regarding the impact of shorter school days have found that student performance generally increases when their school day has been reduced. This is due to the fact that students are able to get more rest and are able to focus more intently on their work when it is not stretched out for extended periods of time. Additionally, shorter school days can allow for increased creativity as students are able to explore their own interests and develop skills outside of the classroom.
15. What kind of impact could shorter school days have on student mental and physical health?
Shorter school days can have a number of positive impacts on student mental and physical health. Studies have found that students are more alert and engaged when their school days are shorter, and that they are better able to concentrate on their studies.
Additionally, students can have more time outside that can improve their overall physical and mental wellbeing. Spending time in nature has been found to have a calming effect, and shorter school days can allow for students to have more time to enjoy the outdoors.
Conclusion
Norway is the country with the shortest school day in the world, and the length of their school day is only six hours or less at the primary level. Although there are potential disadvantages to having a shorter school day, the many benefits far outweigh them. Shorter school days can lead to increased student productivity, better social/emotional wellbeing, and improved mental and physical health.
As more countries start to recognize the advantages of having a shorter school day, it will be interesting to observe what kind of impacts these changes may have on student outcomes.