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What are the Effects of Block Scheduling?

High school is the period of transformation and growth. One feels like he has exams every day. But here’s a question: What are the consequences of the day-to-day schedules for the learning environment in your high school?

So if for some reason, you find yourself asking, “What is block scheduling in high school?” you’re not alone. In the last few years, so many schools have taken up this practice and it’s good to examine what the impacts.

High school block scheduling? 

First, let’s understand the focus keyword – what is block scheduling in high school? The conventional schedules comprise of six to eight classes in one day, each taking about 45 minutes.

On the other hand, block scheduling divides the school day into longer blocks, usually 90 minutes or more, during which students will attend fewer classes per day. This may therefore entail having four longer periods in a day or alternatively switching sets of classes in every other day.

Three types of block scheduling are

• 4x4 Block Schedule:

A school year is split into two semesters in the 4x4 block schedule. Throughout the semesters students take 4 classes, each of these is held daily. They are usually ninety minutes in duration. At the end of their semester, students have covered a year’s worth of curriculum for the four courses.

In the second semester, the students study another four courses. This scheduling structure provides an opportunity for students study fewer subjects per time but study more courses through high school.

• A/B or Alternating Day Block Schedule:

A B block schedule is also referred to as alternating day schedule that divided school week between “A” and “B” days. There are two types of days i.e. ‘A’ days and ‘B’ days, which students follow in a rotational way throughout the week.

To illustrate, a student could have Math, English, History, and Art on Monday (an ‘A’ day) and then Science, Physical Education, Foreign Language, and Music on Tuesday (a ‘B’ day). The duration of each lesson is usually lengthened, up to 90 minutes, which allows for both different practices and in-depth exploration.

Image alt text: block scheduling in high school.

Author credit: By Heritage branch staff - Mount Sylvia State School © The State of Queensland 1995–2022, published in the Queensland Heritage Register under CC-BY-4.0 licence, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126872163

• Modified Block Schedule:

The modified block schedule is a hybrid between traditional scheduling and block scheduling. Under this system, certain days of the week operate on a block schedule with extended class periods, while other days have a traditional schedule with shorter class durations for each subject.

For instance, a school might follow a block schedule on Tuesdays and Thursdays, allowing for extended labs or project time, while Monday, Wednesday, and Friday might follow a traditional six or seven-period day. This approach attempts to blend the benefits of both scheduling systems.

Now that we’ve defined what block scheduling in high school is and the common example, let’s delve into its impacts.

Pros of Block Scheduling

1. Deeper Learning Opportunities: With longer periods, teachers can engage students in more in-depth discussions, group work, and project-based learning. It provides ample time to dive deep into a topic, rather than scratching the surface and acts as one of the ways to give first impression to students.
2. Reduced Stress: Fewer class transitions can mean less hustle and bustle in the hallways and less stress for both students and teachers. Plus, managing homework for four classes instead of eight can be less overwhelming for students.
3. Flexibility in Instruction: Teachers can mix up their teaching methods, utilizing a combination of lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, and other classroom management strategies, all in one class period.

Cons of Block Scheduling

1. Retention Concerns: With classes potentially meeting less frequently (e.g., every other day), there might be concerns about students retaining information over more extended periods.
2. Potential for Wasted Time: If not well-managed, longer periods might lead to disengagement. It requires teachers to be adept at maintaining student interest for extended periods.
3. Adapting to the Change: Transitioning from a traditional schedule to block scheduling can be a significant change for both students and educators. It might require adjustments in teaching strategies and studying habits.

Effects on Students and Teachers

1. Student Satisfaction: Some researches indicate that block schedule gives more opportunities for stronger relations between students when working in groups and projects, and also less stressful everyday life. This can also be achieved by effective lesson plan planning.

2. Teacher Collaboration: How does block scheduling in a high school affect the teachers? It usually leads to intensified cooperation. Teachers could have common planning periods for longer periods of time, promoting teamwork and interdisciplinary planning.

3. Academic Achievement: Researchers have mixed findings on the relation between academic outcomes and block scheduling. Others fail to report any significant gain, but other studies reveal the improvement of particular subjects. The way they will utilize the extra weeks will be of much importance.

Conclusion

However, the query “What is block scheduling in high school?” is an understanding beyond the definition. Exploring the ripple impacts on the academic environment. Just like all education methodologies, block scheduling has advantages and disadvantages. It provides avenues for further learning while reducing daily stress but at the same time poses the issue of retention of information and sustaining engagement.

For successful block scheduling in high school, there is a need for preparedness and adaptability. This implies that the educators should be armed with means of keeping children busy for longer durations, and the students should also reform their study habit into this pattern. Like all educational trends, however, it is important to make sure the priority is on giving students the best conditions for their growth and success.