Abstract
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) mandated extended teaching hours for schools in Samoa which had started at 8.00am to 12.30pm for Infant classes, 8.00am to 1.00pm for Primary classes (Years 4-8) and Secondary Schools and Colleges (Years 9-13) from 8.00am to 2.30pm. This came about after a survey conducted by the Policy, Planning and Research Division (PPRD) soliciting principals, teachers and parents views on the issue. The survey and its recommendations resulted in extending teaching hours. While the change was implemented in 2012 this has been debatable with teachers and parents either for or against the change. Four years after its implementation MESC requested staff from the Faculty of Education (FOE) to conduct research to find out teachers views and perspectives on extended teaching hours. The survey also took into consideration whether extended teaching hours played an important role in student achievement.
Keywords: extended teaching hours, student achievement, teacher perception, cognitive competence
