Summer Learning Loss & How To Mitigate It

bridgestemtutoring
Jun 1, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Nov 5, 2022

What is summer learning loss?

Summer learning loss has become a widespread phenomenon across the board. It is defined as the loss of knowledge and skills mostly due to extended (summer) gaps in a student’s education. Think of all the hard work, for all the material to be lost when returning back for the new year, as this process repeats throughout academic careers. Now we all know that math continues to build in topics, which is why it's important to avoid this from happening.

This phenomenon has been a long-term study by researchers. According to research, between 27-50% of yearly math progress has been lost over the summer (NWEA). Study achievement scores decline sharper for math than for reading. (NWEA MAP Growth). The extent of learning loss is known to be larger at higher grade levels (Brookings Institute). With this being said, 9/10 of teachers spend a lot of time playing catch up, taking anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks to reteach lessons from previous academic semesters. Hence, delaying learning. Using this timeline, hypothetically by the time students reach 5th grade, they could have lost over 18 months of learning due to summer learning loss (ThinkStretch).

A creation for summertime learning environments to accelerate learning IS needed. Research suggests that students who attend voluntary summer learning programs experience strong benefits in math and actively reduce the effects of summer learning loss for the future (NSLA).

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How can we mitigate it?

The most effective measure to mitigate this is by enrolling in an academic summer course. During this time, students are taking the knowledge they’ve learned and applying it actively. These programs help to provide support, avoid procrastination (as opposed to working independently), and help to create a schedule in allowing collaboration. Not only will it prevent summer learning loss, but it will heighten their learning when they are tasked to retouch on topics at a later period. Not only will it save frustration for the future, yet will provide strong creativity and enhance curiosity in topics. Through fun and creative measures, students are still likely to enjoy learning, propelling success in academic pathways.