Block Schedule or Not?

The scheduling in our junior high’s today is not as beneficial as it is in our high schools. The block schedule our high school’s use allows students to learn more within a class period, gives students a variety between their teachers each day, and also helps lessen the amount of homework each night. With that said, in my opinion I think junior high schools should use block schedules like high schools do.

With longer class periods in a day, a lot more could get done. With extra time, more of the required curriculum could be taught. A lot of the time teachers run out of time while teaching, simply just because there’s only so much of it we can use. Switching to a block schedule would help with this simple inconvenience. Knowing that this situation doesn’t happen all the time, the extra class time wouldn’t be wasted. The time could be used for additional one on one help with the teacher if needed. I know that sometimes I get home to do my homework only to find out that I’m still confused. With having extra time in class, students could get a head start on homework. This could not only save them time, but allow them to get the additional help they need to completely understand the subject before attempting the assignment on their own.

Having more time in a class period leaves less class periods able to take place during the day. Instead of having seven classes a day, the block schedule would only allow four. This requires students to take eight classes total each semester. This could benefit the students by giving them a variety in their education. First of all, having eight classes lets students have even more of a say of what classes they take during school. It gives the students an opportunity have another class of their own interest put into their daily schedule. Not only does it give students more variety, it also gives them a break every other day. We’ve all had that one teacher that’s never liked you, or that one that you dread going to because of his ridiculously long lectures, or even just one that you have never really like… just because. We all have them, and all know what it feels like to want a break from them. Having the block schedule can help with that. It would give students the pleasure of only seeing that teacher every other day, instead of everyday.

With having four classes a day, you only have four teachers a day. Therefore only four teachers that can give you homework that’s not due until you see them again. This would be not the next day, but the next. Students have very busy lives these days, and they seem to only be getting busier. Many students are overwhelmed by the amounts of homework each night. I personally am, trying to juggle sports, church, family, and school all at one time. It’s possible, but it’s hard. Having the block schedule would lessen the amount of homework each night, leaving more time for students and their lives. Knowing that homework can’t be taken completely out of the picture, having four classes a day would help benefit the students and their accomplishments in life by allowing time for other things as well.

All these things would help assist the students in their education, leading them to become successful. Having more time within a class period, giving variety within classes, and lessening the amount of homework are just a few of the many ways students could benefit from the possible change in the schedule. Therefore I think Junior High Schools should have a block schedule like the High School’s do.

Any suggestions? I know it needs some work, but besides all the obvious stuff is there anything you guys see that needs to be fixed? Think differently? Leave me a comment about your opinion.