This week we were asked to Share a positive example of the
effects of research on children and/or families. I chose to write about an
interesting article I found an article on after school program quality and
student outcomes.
The article discussed research on children’s academic and
social success after attending an after school program. Studies show that
quality after school programs are based around strong academic support,
consistency with primary school learning, positive social attributes that help
children learn to work as a community, as well as helping to build children’s
motivation, and self-esteem.
“Whether they are called after school, expanded learning
opportunities, out-of-school time, or something else, we know from research
that these types of opportunities can lead to positive outcomes for children
and youth, as well as families, communities, and schools" (Durlak, Weissberg,
& Pachan, 2011; Eccles & Gootman, 2002; Mahoney, Vandell, Simpkins,
& Zarrett, 2009).
http://www.expandinglearning.org/expandingminds/article/afterschool-program-quality-and-student-outcomes-reflections-positive-key#sthash.iu7K1TmN.dpuf
There are assessment tools being created by the Academic and
Research community, to help promote and support high quality after school and
summer care programs. The tools can assist with and facilitate:
·
Assess such factors as program quality and
attendance.
·
Staff beliefs, attitudes, education, and
training.
·
Staffing patterns, including recruitment and
retention
·
Student performance in specific domains and
skills, such as behavior and academic achievement
With success, this research can not only help motivate
children’s success academically, and socially, but also pave the way for
funding to provide more after school programs, for at-risk youth in the
community.
Reference:
After school Program Quality and Student Outcomes:
Reflections on Positive Key Findings on Learning and Development From Recent
Research. Retrieved from http://www.expandinglearning.org/expandingminds/article/afterschool-program-quality-and-student-outcomes-reflections-positive-key#sthash.iu7K1TmN.dpuf
Hello Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting study. I always thought that after school programs were positive to children’s lives, and it is good to hear of a study that shows this is true. I hate to hear of children that must go home to an empty house after school. You make a great point that it is research of this nature that makes funding available, especially to those who are at risk. Thanks for sharing,
Bonnie
Hi Cynthia, thank you for sharing the information about after school programs and its benefit to children. Actually, in our school we also have after school activities (ASA), including music and dance, stories with artcrafts, easy math, simple science and so on, which offer children more chances to have social time with their peers outside the classroom and from other class. As well, they can learn some academics from ASA, such as pre-literacy, reading and writing, pre-math, and science. I can see children in ASA enjoy the fun!
ReplyDeleteXiaowan Chen
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteThe information that you provided was very interesting to me. I think that it is fantastic that they are doing studies on the value of after school programs. With so many families in the workforce these days our children need a place that they can go that will be supportive. I am also glad to see that they are designing assessment tools to help promote high quality after school programs. This in will help parents to feel more comfortable with choosing a program for their children and I believe it will help to make sure children are being provided with the rich opportunities they deserve.
Randee
Hi Cynthaia,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post! I believe that after school programs are beneficial for children and their families. Many parents work and their schedule do not allow them the quality time needed to be spent with their children. Most parents work schedules are from 9 to 5 and in many cases some work multi jobs to provide for their family. After schools programs supports families by working with children and assisting them with after school activities such as homework, field trips, etc. I believe it also helps their esteem, just to know that someone cares and is willing to put in quality time with them. Great post, thanks for sharing!
Great blog Cynthia! An attitude toward people can help determine whether a person can become successful or failure dealing with others. A positive attitude can help develop a child’s motivation and self-esteem as well as building healthy relationships with others. Most people express their feeling through actions, which can be good or bad.
ReplyDelete