What works better, traditional or block schedules? (Editorial)
More stories from Lauren Pantleo
Time flies when you have a block schedule!
Fifty minutes in one class and fifty minutes in another; that’s how most schools go now days. However, some schools let the students sit down and actually enjoy the class in something called a block schedule. There are four periods a day, about eighty minutes long. Some block schedules also alternate between days (A and B days).
Block schedules are great because you can continue to have a great discussion without being stopped by the bell. Also, there is more time to complete labs and tests. Your learning experience is enhanced. Also, lunches are a little longer. There is more time to enjoy your classes.
However, there are some downsides to block schedule. Because the classes are so long, they can tend to last forever. Honestly, who wants a lecture for over an hour? Also, because there are separate days, you may leave your binder at home for the day you’re on. When there is a snow day, there is a lot of confusion on what day you’re on.
Once you switch to a block schedule, it’s hard to go back to traditional schedules. You really need to try it out for yourself, to see which one best fits you.
Do you have a preference on the type of schedule your school offers? Let us know in the comments below!
Disclaimer: Articles designated as “Editorial” represent the views and opinions of the author, not the 2014-2015 Periscope staff, CHS Administration, or the CHS student body.
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Lauren Pantleo is in 10th grade. Her staff position on Periscope is Perspective Writer. She does track and was a competitive swimmer. Lauren enjoys music...
Madeline Winn • Feb 3, 2015 at 10:28 am
I think that Leanza’s point about AP tests is something important to consider. Personally, I think that I would enjoy the extra time that a block schedule would allow for science labs because I never seem to have enough time to accomplish what I want to in them. But the classes that I almost can’t stand to be in for just the 50ish minutes we have now would just be awful in a block schedule.
Leanza Lopez • Jan 20, 2015 at 11:24 am
It’s interesting that I stumbled across this article because I was just talking about this subject the other day. On of the things I think would be difficult is AP classes because the tests are in March. If I took an AP class the first semester of the year I think I would lose all that information come March. Other than that I see a lot of positives! I agree that there would be more time to focus on a course!
Laura Ferriman • Jan 5, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Personally, I don’t think I would enjoy a block schedule. I probably wouldn’t be able concentrate for 80 minutes on the same subject in the same room. I like being able to get up every 50 minutes and go on to a new class with new people. On the plus side of a block schedule, you would have longer lunches and wouldn’t have to retain as many subjects a day.
Julia Vichnevetsky • Dec 3, 2014 at 9:49 pm
My old school used a block schedule. But instead of A and B days, we had two semesters. So we would have each class every day for half the year. I always found it really hard to stay focused, just because we were in the class for so long. I much prefer having shorter classes because I can focus better, so I’m more productive.