Many Estonian schools are starting to use longer lessons instead of traditional 45-minute ones. This helps students study fewer subjects per day and focus more. Rakvere basic schools plan to start using 80-minute lessons in the new academic year.
Martti Marksoo, director of Rakvere Secondary School, said that longer lessons also require changes in lesson content. More diverse activities can be done during a lesson: the teacher explains, students discuss, do pair or group work, practice independently, and take movement breaks. In science subjects, experiments and problem-solving can be done calmly.
Marksoo also said that longer lessons help shorten the school day because students need to switch between fewer subjects. The amount of homework should also decrease. Not all lessons can be extended immediately, so Rakvere Secondary School has both long and short lessons.
Hele Liiv-Tellmann, an expert at the Ministry of Education and Research, said that longer lessons are popular in both basic schools and high schools. This is beneficial for students because they have fewer subjects and more time for in-depth study.
Pelgulinna High School has had longer lessons for years. According to school leader Tõnu Piiburi, longer lessons have made learning more effective. Students can focus on fewer subjects and have more time for thinking and discussion.