The impact of COVID-19 on children’s learning : a rapid review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: While it is widely acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has created disruptions in children’s learning trajectories, the literature suggests that there is little empirical research to support this claim. METHOD: This rapid review of the literature was carried out to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children’s learning, whether there has been a loss in learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if so, what recommendations can be made to mitigate these losses, now and in the future. RESULTS: The studies reviewed imply that the significant disruption in children’s education as a result of school closure during the COVID-19 pandemic has been problematic and has resulted in learning losses. CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended that education systems worldwide should train teachers for online learning in order to maximise learning and minimise inequalities. The paper concludes with implications for policymakers, researchers and educators.