"The impact of academic load on student's health"

Муниципальное общеобразовательное учреждение

Средняя общеобразовательная школа №55

Ленинского района г. Саратова

Муниципальная научно - практическая конференция

“FUTURUM”

НАУЧНО – ИССЛЕДОВАТЕЛЬСКАЯ РАБОТА

потеме:

“The impact of academic load on student’s health”

Авторы:

Михеева Надежда,

Шишканова Анастасия.

Руководители:

Учителя английского языка

МОУ СОШ №55

Котова Виктория Викторовна

ХасаншинаТаскираТавратовна

Саратов

2024 – 2025 учебныйгод

Contents

1.Introduction

2. The main part:

2.1. Student Health, Homework and Stress Management

2.2.Academic Load Recommendations.

3. Practical part:

3.1. Health survey of our school students

3.2. Analyzing the school timetable.

3.3. Recommendations for health supporting for students according with the impact of academic load on it.

4. Conclusion

5.Bibliography

6. Appendix

1. Introduction

School is a place where children spend a significant part of their day, and it is important to ensure that their time there is not only productive but also safe for their health. As a student of the 9^th form, many of us have experienced the pressures of academic studying and preparing for state exams. It is crucial to recognize that these pressures can significantly influence on our health.

This article aims to shed light on the impact of school workload on students' overall health and provide practical tips for maintaining a healthy balance between studies and personal life.

The main factor of health is a lifestyle which includes the daily routine. The student's daily routine directly depends on the academic load. And as the academic load at school is different, the impact of this factor on the students’ health is also different. There are more and more students whose interest in studying disappears and their health deteriorates. The problem of deterioration in the schoolchildren’s health also exists in our school. More common diseases like myopia, colds, impaired posture are existed among our classmates and schoolchildren. That is why we decided to study the impact of the academic load on the students of our school, as well as their attitude to learning.

The hypothesis of the project: is there a direct link between the academic load and the students’ health?

The purpose of the project: to find out the impact of the educational load on the students’ health.

Working on a topic that is actual and interesting to us, we have identified a number of tasks:

1. To describe the impact of the educational load on the students’ health.

2. To study the schoolchildren’s health in our school.

3. To examine the reasons of health disorders in students’ health by determining anxiety and learning load.

4. To study students’ attitude to the homework doing.

5. To create recommendations for health supporting.

We used the following methods:

Theoretical: We have studied different types of resources.

Research: We analyzed our school time –table, studied the results of our school medical check,

Practical: We created recommendations for health supporting.

2.1. Student Health, Homework and Stress Management

The educational process is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that affects all aspects of student life. Among the most important are their health, attitude towards school homework, stress management when preparing for exams, and academic load.

Student health is an essential aspect of the educational process. It affects not only academic performance but also overall well-being. A healthy student is more likely to be engaged in learning, participate in extracurricular activities, and build positive relationships with peers.

One of the main challenges facing students is maintaining a balanced lifestyle. With the increasing demands of schoolwork and extracurricular activities, it can be easy to neglect physical activity and proper nutrition. Schools should encourage students to engage in regular exercise and eat a balanced diet. This can include organizing sports clubs, promoting healthy eating habits, and providing nutritional education.

Another important factor affecting student health is mental health. The pressure to succeed academically and socially can lead to anxiety and depression. Schools should provide support services such as counseling and therapy to help students cope with these issues.

Homework is a common part of the school curriculum, but its effectiveness and impact on student learning are often debated. Some students view homework as a necessary evil, while others see it as an opportunity to reinforce classroom learning.

Research suggests that homework can have both positive and negative effects on student achievement. On the one hand, homework can help students develop time management skills and reinforce learning. On the other hand, excessive homework can lead to stress and burnout.

Schools should carefully consider the amount and type of homework assigned to students. Teachers should provide clear instructions and feedback, and students should be encouraged to seek help if they struggle with homework.

Exams are a significant source of stress for many students. The pressure to perform well can lead to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and poor concentration. Schools can play a crucial role in helping students manage this stress.

Strategies for coping with exam stress include:

Preparation: Students should start preparing for exams early and develop a study plan. They should focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing facts.

Time management: Students should learn to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks.

Relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and physical activity can help reduce stress.

Support networks: Friends, family, and teachers can provide emotional support and encouragement.

2. 2. Academic Load Recommendations.

To ensure a healthy balance between academic workload and student well-being, schools should consider implementing the following recommendations:

1. Assess Academic Load: Regularly evaluate the number and complexity of assignments to prevent overloading students.

2. Prioritize Learning Objectives: Focus on essential topics and skills, avoiding unnecessary additions to the curriculum.

3. Encourage Breaks: Promote short breaks between study sessions to allow students to rest and recharge.

4. Monitor Student Progress: Keep track of students' progress and identify those who may need additional support or lessened workload.

5. Provide Flexible Scheduling: Offer options for students to choose when and how they complete their work, allowing for better time management and reduced stress.

6. Foster a Supportive Environment: Create a culture where students feel comfortable seeking help and discussing their academic struggles without fear of judgment.

7. Educate on Time Management: Teach students effective time management strategies to help them balance their workload and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

8. Promote Self-Care: Encourage students to practice self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and socializing to maintain their mental and physical health.

9. Limit Screen Time: Advise students on responsible screen time use to avoid excessive strain on their eyes and cognitive functions.

10. Involve Parents and Guardians: Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about their child's academic progress and workload to ensure a supportive home environment.

Student health attitude towards homework, managing stress during exam preparation, and monitoring academic load are interconnected aspects of the educational process. Schools play a critical role in promoting student well-being and academic success. By addressing these issues, schools can create a supportive environment that fosters growth and development.

3.1. Health survey of our school students.

The situation with the children’s health of our school we will present in the data of Table No. 1. (Appendix 1)

A survey of school students conducted in 2024 revealed the types of diseases:

Colds are in the first place (9.6% of schoolchildren)

Visual impairment is in second place (6.4% of schoolchildren)

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are in third place (in 3.2% of schoolchildren) (Appendix 2)

3.2. Analyzing the school timetable.

Analyzing the school timetable for 9th-grade students with seven lessons per day and extra-curricular activities can reveal several key aspects affecting student health, academic performance, and overall well-being.

1. Balancing Academic Load and Extracurricular Activities.

A daily schedule with seven lessons requires careful planning to accommodate both core subjects and extracurricular activities effectively. The timetable should ensure a balanced distribution of subjects to prevent overloading students with too many hours of continuous learning.

1. Breaks and Rest Periods.

Given the intensity of a full day of classes, it's crucial to include breaks between lessons to allow students time to rest and recharge. These breaks are essential for maintaining optimal cognitive function and physical energy levels throughout the day.

1. Flexibility in Scheduling.

The timetable must offer flexibility to cater to different learning styles and preferences. For instance, some students might benefit from more time for practical subjects like science or art, while others may require additional support in core subjects like mathematics or languages.

1. Integration of Physical Activity.

With the demanding nature of high school education, integrating physical activity into the daily routine is vital. This could be achieved through scheduled gym sessions, sports clubs, or even short walks during breaks to promote better circulation and mental clarity.

1. Time Management Skills.

Teaching students effective time management skills is essential to help them balance their workload and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Schools can provide resources and workshops on time management to equip students with these critical skills.

1. Supportive Environment.

Creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help and discussing their struggles is paramount. Teachers and staff should be approachable and ready to offer guidance and encouragement.

1. Involvement of Parents and Guardians.

Regular communication with parents about their child's progress and workload helps create a cohesive support system. Parents can reinforce the importance of self-care and study habits at home.

8. Promotion of Self-Care.

educators and psychologists to create a schedule that effectively balances cognitive load and promotes effective learning.

Encouraging students to engage in self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, and socializing is crucial for managing stress and maintaining mental health.

We have analysed our school timetable in the 1^st term. ( Appendix 3)

The weekly study load is 38 hours. The analysis of the school timetable indicates that while efforts have been made to schedule subjects based on their perceived difficulty, there are still some violations in the order of difficult and easy subjects. This suggests a need for further refinement of the scheduling process to better align with educational psychology principles and ensure an optimal learning environment for students.

Addressing these violations could lead to improved academic performance and enhanced student well-being. It is recommended that the school administration consider implementing more structured procedures for timetable planning, possibly involving collaboration with school timetable involves not just scheduling lessons but also considering the holistic needs of students. It's about creating an educational environment that supports their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

3.3. Recommendations for health supporting for students according with the impact of academic load on it.

Supporting students' health is crucial for their academic success and overall well-being. Here are some practical recommendations:

Supporting students' health is crucial for their academic success and overall well-being. Considering the impact of academic load, here are some practical recommendations:

1. Balanced diet. Encourage students to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This will provide them with the necessary nutrients for optimal brain function and physical performance.

2. Regular exercise. Promote regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and enhance cognitive function. Exercise can also help students manage stress and maintain a healthy weight.

3. Adequate sleep. Students should get 7–9 hours of sleep each night. Adequate sleep is essential for memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and physical recovery.

4. Stress management. Use effective stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Stress can negatively impact both mental and physical health.

5. Avoiding harmful habits. Discourage the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other substances that can harm health and impair academic performance.

6. Time management skills. Develop time management skills to balance your studies, extracurricular activities, and personal life. Effective time management can reduce stress and improve productivity.

By implementing these recommendations, we can create a healthier and more conducive learning environment for students. It will also contribute to creating a balanced timetable that takes into account the difficulty of subjects and provides enough breaks between classes to allow students to rest and recharge.

Additionally, it is important to monitor the academic load and ensure that it is not excessive. Teachers should be aware of the signs of overwork and fatigue in students and adjust the workload accordingly.

4. Students’ attitude to the homework doing.

The attitude of students towards homework can vary significantly depending on the age, educational system, and cultural context. However, there are some common trends that can be observed in many parts of the world.

Many students view homework as a necessary part of their education, recognizing its role in reinforcing classroom learning and developing skills such as time management and self-discipline. They see it as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the subject matter and prepare for future academic challenges.

On the other hand, some students express frustration and resentment towards homework, citing excessive workload, lack of time for leisure activities, and difficulties balancing multiple subjects and extracurricular activities. This negative attitude is often exacerbated by feelings of stress and anxiety associated with high expectations and pressure to perform well.

Moreover, the quality and relevance of homework assignments also influence student perception. Assignments that are perceived as meaningless or unrelated to real-life situations may lead to disengagement and a lack of motivation among students. In contrast, tasks that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and practical application are more likely to be viewed positively.

While some students acknowledge the benefits of homework in enhancing their learning experience, others express dissatisfaction with its perceived negative impact on their well-being and social life. Striking a balance between meaningful and manageable homework loads is essential for fostering a positive attitude towards learning among students.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, academic load can significantly affect a student's health. Excessive workload and stress can lead to physical and mental health problems, such as poor sleep quality, weakened immune system, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, it is crucial to implement strategies that can help students cope with academic pressure.

Balancing academic activities with other aspects of life, like physical exercise, social interactions, and relaxation, is essential for maintaining good health. Teachers and parents should be aware of the signs of overwork and fatigue in students and adjust their schedules accordingly. Schools should also provide access to counseling services and promote healthy lifestyle habits among students.

By taking these steps, we can create a healthier learning environment that supports students' overall well-being and academic success.

Bibliography

1. World Health Organization (WHO).WHO publications on mental health and well-being, physical activity, and healthy lifestyles.

1. American Psychological Association (APA). APA articles or reports on stress management, time management skills, social support, and professional guidance.

1. Educational Psychology Review.Research papers or meta-analyses on the effects of academic load on student health and strategies for managing it.

1. Journal of School Health.Articles discussing the role of schools in promoting students' health and wellness.

Appendix 1

Table 1. Indicators of students’ diseases (according to the medical examination 2024)

Appendix 2

Diagramm 2.Students’ health according the medical check.

Appendix 3

Timetable

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