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

Abstract

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.