The Impact of a Semester System, Less is More

CHARL THERON and YOLANDY THERON

WHAT EXACTLY is a trimester, and how does it differ from a semester?

Semesters are the most widely used curricular framework in schools across the globe. The trimester is a three-part year in which teaching and learning are divided.

Given the amount of time they may dedicate to school, anyone working on a trimester system may feel considerably more assured.

Which is simpler and better? Many people like the traditional semester system because it is more constant, while others prefer a school that has three shorter terms throughout the year.

For pupils and teachers, the easier choice between semesters and trimesters is the one that they are most familiar with.

Trimesters are simple for a pupil and teacher who have been on them their entire life, and they will like sticking to a schedule they understand.

They will continue to attend school as if nothing has changed, and they will not be concerned about what is required as their schedule shifts. Switching to semesters will cause confusion to some while also reducing stress in others.

The information in the preceding paragraph comes from the top 10 online colleges.

The truth is that one can argue endlessly about which is better. However, the question remains: What is the primary reason for the two semesters?

PROS AND CONS

Has the ministry taken into account input from all relevant stakeholders?

This appears to be a judgement based on the prevalence of Covid-19 among children and educators during winter. Our obvious conclusion could be incorrect.

The issue particularly is – is it worthwhile making a complete switch, despite the strain and stress placed on teachers and pupils?

A semester is just too long and anyone can see it.

Rather consider quarters as an alternative to ensuring that schools are not hit by cluster outbreaks during the peak of Covid-19 infections as forecast.

A survey can be conducted, and one might be surprised at how many teachers and pupils are exhausted during these times.

The semester system’s success has been closely related to adequate time available, while others felt it overburdened them.

With this new development, these two parties are experiencing an emotional roller coaster.

Of course, one could argue that this is only the first phase of the change, and that it will improve over time.

TRIED AND TESTED

We too, are change agents for the betterment of any given system or process. Unfortunately, we must state that this change does not appear to have been well thought through.

Again, we might be missing something, but as leaders in schools, we are directly affected by this change. Therefore, we can confidently state that this is our experience.

Trimesters are not without their drawbacks. Shorter terms may imply a more compact teaching load during the term, as well as shorter holidays.

Despite these concerns, a trimester system surely appears to be feasible and advantageous.

Please return to the trimesters. The use of trimesters is based on an old system that divides the school year for our benefit. It is tried, tested and proven.

* Charl Theron is a school director at a primary school.

* Yolandy Theron is a head of department at a primary school.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.