Rukayat Alabi

Sophia Learning
English Composition II
March, 25, 2024

"The Recess Debate: A Disjuncture between Educational Policy and Scientific Research"

The source is investigating the ongoing argument surrounding the importance of recess in the
educational system, especially in the United State and the United Kingdom. The source begins
by addressing the common debate against recess, this includes the belief that it reduces the
beneficial instructional time and that it gives room for bullying and aggression. These arguments
are countered with proof suggesting that breaks or recess in learning are essential for maintaining
attention and productivity, as supported by several studies. It also challenges the idea that break
or recess leads to amplified aggression, stating the low incidence of aggressive behavior during
break and the role of adult monitoring in mitigating such incidents.

Dr. Anthony Pellegrini recounts his personal journey in studying the role of recess in children’s
development, motivated by policy debates in Georgia in the early 1990s. Dr. Anthony carried
out a research linking kindergarten playground behavior to first-grade academic achievements,
emphasizing the predictive value of recess activities beyond standardized test scores. Dr.
Anthony criticizes the trend of reducing recess time, citing surveys indicating a reduction in
recess time over the years in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Pellegrini argues
that such changes are not backed with practical evidence and may negatively affect the children’s
intellectual development and performances academically.

The source presents two main arguments in favor of maintaining break or recess in schools. The
advantages of distributed practice and the developmental differences in intellectual efficiency.
Distributed practice, similar to taking breaks during highway driving, enhances learning and
attention duration, most especially in younger children. Recess also provides an essential
opportunity for children to engage in non-focused, non-intellectual activities, thus activities, thus
minimizing intellectual interference and revitalizing their nervous systems for continued
learning.

It is obvious that Dr. Anthony Pellegrini’s argument is in support of recess compelling and well
supported with a research. The evidence he presented highlights the importance of break or
recess in learning and the intellectual benefits related with activities like recess. As an essential
section of the school day, recess does not only allow students to recharge but also enables social
development and the acquisition of important life skills such as cooperation and conflict
resolution.

The impression that recess or break reduces from the instructional times seems misguided in the
light of studies demonstrating its positive impact on attention and academic performance. The
argument that recess nurture aggression is disproved by experimental evidence showing low
rates of aggressive behavior and the influence of adults monitoring in maintaining a safe
environment.

The reduction in recess or break time over the years, as stated in the survey presented, is
disturbing. It shows a shift away from experimental evidence based practices and a neglect of
children’s general development in support of slim educational goals. Policy decisions as regards
break or recess should be informed by research findings and prioritize the well-being and
educational needs of students.

In conclusion, I agree and support Dr. Anthony Pellegrini’s advocate for the preservation of
recess in schools and promotion for policies that recognizes its importance in encouraging both
academic success and social-emotional growth of student. Maintaining adequate recess or break
time is not only beneficial for student performances but also necessary for nurturing healthy and
flourishing school environments.

Reflection Questions
Question1
What ideas originally came to mind when you first read through the article? Did your initial
response to the article change after reading it for a second time?

Answer 1
At the first instance when I read through the article, I believed that there is the need for recess or
break time for students. This is because long hours of learning will make the student lose focus
and the purpose of the whole activities would be defeated. After reading through the second
time I agreed vividly with Dr. Anthony Pellegrini that there is no need to reduce recess or break
time for student, because this is the time where student refresh and relax their minds.

Question 2
How does paying attention to the way you respond to a source help you formulate your stance on
a topic?

Answer 2
Paying attention to how I respond to a source is that, there is an empirical evidence or if you like
a research was carried out to ascertain the need for recess or break time. It avails the student the
time to develop the social-emotional part of their lives. From the conclusion, it also alleviate the
fear of aggressiveness and bullying because some measures of supervision will be in place to
curtail such situation. Also, policy decisions must always be based on research findings because
it was a study that was carried out and its conclusion states the need for rest not just in academics
but in all aspect of life. It severs as time for refreshment.