A typical classroom in Providence is interrupted over 2,000 times a year, according to a researcher at Brown University.
Associate Professor of Education Matt Kraft says that as students return from distance learning this fall, cutting down on external interruptions -- and maximizing learning time in the classroom -- is more important than ever.
A working paper recently released by Kraft identified the following:
- A typical classroom in Providence is interrupted more than 2,000 times per year
- Interruptions and the disruptions they cause result in the loss of between 10 and 20 days of instructional time in Providence
- Administrators systematically underestimate the frequency and negative consequences of these interruptions
- Persistent interruptions during the beginning and end of class periods lead students and some teachers to effectively shorten class periods
- Some Providence schools experienced three times as many interruptions as others.