As the school year progresses, Honors and OnRamps classes increase in difficulty and workload, after school activities take up spare time and student’s personal lives add to the load. Studies show up to 22% of students experience burnout in their high school career. Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion brought on by repeated stress.
The school system should work to provide better environments for students to reduce or prevent burnout.
Students accredit most of their burnout to not having enough time in a school day to work. Having to be taught a lesson and finish an assignment in 45 minutes is a difficult feat, especially if confused on the subject. If students don’t finish, it turns into homework. One way schools could combat this issue is by switching to blocked scheduling. This is where students only have to go to around 4-5 periods a day, each class being an hour and a half long. This makes it easier for students to have time to be taught, but also do work in class while the teacher is available. In a 45 minute class period, one teacher can not get to every single student. Therefore, if students can do their work in school in class, their after school workload will lessen significantly. This allows students the freedom to rest or have a social life outside of school and the weekends.
On that same note, having time to relax and breathe is crucial when always busy with school work. Schools should implement longer lunch periods to allow students the time to catch a break or utilize that time in a way they need. Eating a meal and socializing with peers in 30 minutes or sometimes less (depending on how fast you move), can be draining. Combining academic period with lunch could give students more time to have a break, and if they choose, they can work on any homework in that time. It also allows students to connect with their friends, which is important for growing and developing. Human connection is beneficial to mental and physical health.
Teachers have a curriculum they need to follow to make sure students receive adequate education. In most cases, students see their educators more than they see their parents. It is up to the teacher to provide a structured classroom environment to prevent anxiety around a student’s workload. Teachers should not go out of their way to complicate their class “just because they can.” Students have to visit 8 other classes a day and are loaded up with work in all of them. Yes, some students do sign up for advanced college classes, so the workload will be more, but having blocked periods would make it easier to complete an assignment during school hours. The pressure of having two tests, five homework assignments, after school practice, and maybe even a job can be strenuous for a teenager. Teachers need to be more mindful of this fact.
No student should have to suffer with adult problems. School is a place where to learn and socialize. It should not be a place students dread attending or a place compared to a prison. If you are experiencing burnout, it’s okay to take a break or ask for help.
Schools should work to reduce student burnout.
