Fair Chance to Learn
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What is needed to overcome the differences
in experiences among students?
As has been repeatedly emphasized, early learning experiences have a significant impact on a child’s development. Over time, the various things they hear, see, and experience come together to form a "learning cycle," which can help to bridge the gap in learning experiences that arise based on a student's background.
This concept can offer valuable insights into how we might reduce the disparities in learning experiences among students.
1. Early Learning and Language Development
In the early stages of life, language development plays a critical role. When children are exposed to language through conversations with parents, teachers, and peers, they begin to understand and use words. This lays the foundation for future learning. To reduce learning gaps, it is crucial to provide students who have fewer experiences with more opportunities to engage and immerse themselves in a rich learning environment.
2. Learning Cycle
The "learning cycle" refers to the idea that learning builds and accumulates over time. Past experiences influence how children will process new information and encounters as they grow. Through communication, play, and various experiences, children gradually develop the capacity to handle more complex learning tasks. Therefore, for students who have had fewer learning experiences, it is especially important to provide them with as many learning opportunities as possible in the early stages and to maintain this support over time.
*Here, early education refers not to accelerated learning, but to enriching experiences such as play and conversation.*
3. Equity in Early Education
Not all children have the same learning opportunities. Some children are exposed to more conversation, play, and educational activities, while others may have fewer opportunities.
For example, children from financially comfortable families might have greater access to books or educational experiences, whereas children from less privileged families may face limitations. These differences in opportunities can impact their learning trajectories and widen achievement gaps. In other words, to reduce learning disparities, it is essential to intervene early in the lives of students who have fewer experiences and provide them with diverse learning stimuli and environments.
4. Lifelong Impact
Children who have rich early learning experiences tend to continue learning well and achieve success later in life. This highlights the importance of ensuring that all children have equal access to learning opportunities from the start. Providing equitable opportunities in the early years is crucial for supporting long-term growth and success.
By addressing the learning cycle, early interventions, and equitable access to educational experiences, we can reduce the impact of background differences and ensure that all children have a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Reference
https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2017.00045
