Block scheduling is a method of high school scheduling that replaces the traditional six or seven sessions lasting 40-50 minutes with longer classes that meet less often each day and per week. Block-schedule classes, for instance, last 90 to 120 minutes, and they meet every second day instead of daily.
The block schedule allows teachers to spend more time on each lesson and learn the objectives of learning. As teachers are less likely to be interrupted, they can cover a greater amount of material within a time frame. This gives teachers the opportunity to focus more on student learning.
There are different types of block scheduling
Three main types are available:
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Accelerated block schedule
This method allows for the students to take four classes each day over a period of four months. The student will attend a second class quartet, for a total of 90 minutes / day / 90 schooldays.
This allows for a deeper study of content and specialization before moving on to another set of classes.
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A/B Schedule
The major difference in this course style is the division of the class schedule into two basic groups: A andB. Students on A block get periods 1-4 in a day, while those on B block get the last 4 periods.
The A block, for example, will have classes 1, 2, 3 and 4 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays. The other four classes are on Tuesdays or Thursdays. B block’s schedule will be the same, except that it will include 5, 6, 7, 8 and 3 days each week. After Friday, B will follow the schedule of A last week while vice versa.
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A new timetable was created that alters the regular class periods.
The modified block schedule is an amalgamation of traditional and A/B scheduling. Students would attend certain times every day. These periods are usually shorter. On alternate days, they may be longer.
The students will attend period 1 and 7 for 45 mins every day. A block is 90 minutes of period 2, 3, and 4. B Block would also be period 5, 6, 7, and 90 minutes. The days of A and B blocks would be alternated. This type allows some courses to take place daily, while other courses can meet for longer durations on alternate days.
The benefits of block scheduling
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Managing one’s time
Teachers are better able to teach when there are fewer interruptions and class periods during the day. They can also complete administrative tasks or manage classes, like taking attendance, distributing/collecting material, or planning/wrapping up activities.
Recent studies indicate that non teaching assignments take up a majority of the time in class, with only 15-20 minutes left (out of 45-50 minutes) to be used for learning. If teachers can devote more time to planning and teaching, students will have more time for meaningful learning.
A typical eight-period class day also involves more time spent in the hallways or commuting to and from classes. This time could be spent studying. This time can be used to study.
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Alternative methods of teaching are allowed
Teachers who have more time to spend in class can be more creative and innovative. They are not restricted by the length of a typical class. Extra time allows teachers to design more extensive activities. They can cover more subjects and have fewer interruptions.
Engaging students in long-term, in-depth learning is beneficial. This includes more complex tasks, teamwork-based activities, or similar tasks, which require more time than 40 or fifty minutes.
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Promotes Cooperative Learning
Block scheduling allows teachers more frequent use of smaller groups. Smaller groups make it easier for students to collaborate and develop social skills. They can also combine their talents to tackle a subject from a variety of angles.
The teacher can also observe the groups and provide individualized help based on the problems that they face during their studies.
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Individualized Education
Teachers have less time to spend with each student when the class is shorter or there are more students. When the class is typically 45-50 mins, it may be difficult for students with learning disabilities to receive the individual attention they need.
Block schedules provide additional time to help teachers develop plans to ensure each student is meeting their goals.
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Focus-driven Approach
Both teachers and pupils benefit from fewer courses each day. Teachers may be required to prepare eight classes per day in an 8-period typical schoolday. Teachers are then pushed to hurry up grading and feedback or to plan lessons quickly.
This allows teachers to focus more on the quality of their lessons, pay greater attention and achieve better results.
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Fewer Homework
In addition, since students have to prepare for less classes per day, there will be less homework each day. This is good for students as too much home work can be stressful and inhibit learning.
Instead of focusing on the quality of out-of-class assignments, teachers can provide specific goals to help students reach their learning objectives. With the additional time in class, teachers can also have students complete their homework in class. They will be able to monitor how they are doing and provide any necessary help.
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Learn more about how to reduce learning gaps for students
The A/B system exposes students to all 8 courses all year long (for example, math from August until May). Using the traditional block method, some students would take math in August-December. They might not repeat math until January-May. This can create learning gaps, especially in world language courses where students need to practice frequently.
Cons of block scheduling
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Long Periods
Block schedule critics claim that block scheduling is detrimental to students’ learning, particularly at certain developmental stages.
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Teacher Performance
Critics question whether teachers are adequately trained to adapt their methods of teaching or curriculum to take advantage of longer classes.
Some teachers might not use their time effectively, leading to less active learning.
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Unattendances
If a student is sick for an entire day, they may miss more than usual in a timetable. The reason is that classes are usually longer, so missing one lesson in a day can be the same as missing two. This makes it easier to get behind a class. Block scheduling allows the teacher to spend more time helping students after they return.
The A/B schedule allows for a flexible scheduling that does not require the student to miss all of their classes because they are scheduled on different days.
Best Practices in Block Scheduling
Teachers can use these six strategies to implement a block timetable successfully.
- Include alternate activities, time for questions or feedback instead of the full 90 minutes lecture
- Consider dividing class time to allow students to finish their homework in class
- Encourage a collaborative learning atmosphere
- Keep students engaged by switching activities between 15 and 20 minutes.
- Use a pace guide that is well thought out
- Overplan instead of underplan
Last Thoughts
Some teachers and some students prefer block scheduling as a teaching method because it promotes healthy relationships between the teacher and the student while improving their growth.
This can help you get more done without getting burned out and also improve your time management. Teachers can also try out new techniques and teaching methods that they never had time to do before.
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