There is a divergence of opinion among experts regarding how children should spend their time after school hours. While some advocate for enrolling children in extra classes, others argue that they should utilize that time for recreational activities. In this essay, I will examine both viewpoints before submitting my support for the latter perspective.
Examining the former opinion, the primary argument put forward by the proponents of the view is that having additional classes would help them improve in their studies. In other words, they would have the opportunity to learn from other tutors who use different teaching methods such as audiovisuals, interactive methods and so on and perhaps, within a more tranquil environment compared to the normal school atmosphere. Evidence abounds that a significant number of primary school students who had extra tutorials in African countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Zimbabwe passed their final year exams in one attempt compared to those who did not undergo such additional sessions. However, this survey constitutes only a negligible proportion of the overall picture and, hence, cannot be relied on to recommend extra classes for students.
On the contrary, those advocating that children should be allowed to play after regular school hours and not be mandated to go for extra sessions feels that leisure times have a positive effect on school educational performances and I totally agree with them. Through this, they would have time to relax, play with their friends and their immediate as well as remote recall of whatever they might have been taught in school would be significantly better, facilitating improved academic performances. A research in the USA showed that students who enjoyed the privilege of playing around after regular school activities rather than being coerced into additional hours of teaching outperformed their colleagues who had extra lessons. Without a doubt, I believe that every child should be allowed to enjoy their leisure after traditional school time.
In conclusion, while valid arguments exist on both sides of the debate, I am of the opinion that children should not be compelled to attend extra tutorials after their regular school hours in order to enhance their academic performance.