The Benefits of Looping in Education
Many educational strategies aim to boost students' academic performance, foster emotional stability, and create a positive school experience. One model that is popular in Finland, and other European countries and is growing in popularity among schools is looping, where students stay with the same teacher for more than one year. Understanding how looping works can help families choose a school and see its benefits.
What is Looping?
Looping, or "teacher looping," is a practice in which students stay with the same teacher for two or more consecutive school years. This model allows teachers to progress with their students over time, creating a more stable, consistent learning environment.
Classrooms using the looping strategy can help students to achieve new heights in their education. The impacts of the relationships that can be forged between teacher and student within a looping classroom are powerful. Looping gives teachers more time to see where a student needs support and challenge and gives them the opportunity to be a person students trust and feel comfortable with. Research shows the high importance of the student teacher relationship as it relates to student success.
Looping has been part of Aurora School’s model since our inception in 1988. Students in grades K/1, 2/3, 4/5 and middle school share learning spaces. Aside from the advantage of stronger teacher/student relationship, older students have the opportunity to practice their leadership skills, build friendships beyond their age groups, and receive greater personalized learning.
Academic Benefits of Looping
The National Bureau of Economic Research found that looping raised test scores by 10% compared to traditional classrooms.
Looping eliminates the typical "start-up" period at the beginning of each school year. Teachers begin the school year knowing their students well, which allows them to jump right in where they left off the prior school year. They can then quickly customize lessons to help all students progress at their own pace, providing challenge and support where needed. Looping provides teachers with the ability to better differentiate learning for their students.
Greater Academic Achievement
Studies have found that students in looping classrooms are more likely to achieve higher academic success. This is due, in part, to the deeper understanding teachers have of their students.
Emotional and Social Benefits of Looping
Early Childhood Research Quarterly found that looping boosts student-teacher relationships.
Looping encourages the development of strong, lasting relationships between students and teachers. These relationships affect the child's comfort, motivation, and well-being in school. Learning involves taking risks and making mistakes and students are more likely to take risks when they feel safe. Looping promotes safety.
Increased Peer Connections and Self-Confidence
Parents often cite this sense of community and self-confidence as key benefits of looping. Besides strong bonds with teachers, looping promotes deeper connections between students, leading to a sense of belonging. They can also better navigate social dynamics in this stable environment, boosting their self-esteem and improving their social-emotional development. They also have the opportunity to mentor younger students, helping to feel capable and increase their self-confidence. Looping promotes strong relationships and self-confidence.
Reduced Anxiety and Transition Stress
According to U.S. News & World Report, children in looping classrooms are more comfortable and engaged from the start of the school year.
Transitions between school years are often stressful for students, especially younger children. They have to adapt to a new teacher's expectations, set new routines, and build relationships with classmates. This change can take weeks or even months for some children, delaying their academic progress. Looping minimizes these challenges. Students enter the new school year with a teacher who knows them well and a classroom of familiar faces, which helps to ease their anxiety.
Benefits for Parents
An often-overlooked benefit of looping is its impact on parent-teacher relationships. Teachers who work with the same student for multiple years often establish a stronger connection with the family, which allows them to better understand each other's expectations and goals for the child.
This consistent communication can help parents feel more involved in their child's education. The teacher can build on this relationship, leading to a more effective partnership.
Research shows that students perform better when their parents engage in their education. They also usually have a more positive school experience.
Is Looping Right for Your Child?
As a parent, deciding if looping is the right educational model for your child requires careful consideration. To help make this decision, here are some factors to think about:
- Does your child thrive in consistent, familiar environments?
- Do you want personalized academic instruction for your child?
- Do you value strong relationships with your child's teachers?
If you want a school that values relationships and academic challenge, consider Aurora. We emphasize personalized learning and community. Visit us today to see firsthand the benefits of looping!
Looping with teachers is one of many ways Aurora School cultivates confident and creative learners from K through 8. Please reach out if you'd like to learn more.