Block scheduling offers variety and better engagement in classes for students. By offering a block schedule, the MHS Innovation Campus focuses on longer class periods so students can engage in class better and focus more academically. I believe MHS should incorporate this type of schedule,for it helps students reduce stress.
The Innovation campus implements this type of scheduling, consisting of first, third, fifth, and seventh periods on Mondays and Wednesdays; and second, fourth, sixth, and seventh periods on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. To balance it out, Fridays contain all seven periods. This allows students to manage their time better, as well as focus better on that day’s classes. They have fewer classes a day,instead of juggling all 7 at once. Additionally, having an extra day between classes gives most students more time to complete assignments, prepare for tests, and seek help if needed.
With longer classes, teachers have more time to go in-depth into their lessons. In turn, students get more time to focus on what they are learning. These longer lessons allow students to not feel rushed and enable them to engage more with what they are being taught. In traditional classes, teachers try to fit everything into a shorter class time, which often means rushing through the material.
Oftentimes, students end up having multiple tests for classes on the same day. Some teachers may not even tell you that there is a test until two days before. For most students, this is stressful. Block schedules can help prevent stress and enhance students’ overall academic performance. With more time between each class meeting, students have more time to fully understand and work on their homework. With more time to study for tests, students will earn better grades and increase our school’s overall academic performance. Since they get one extra day, students wouldn’t feel as pressured to do homework and tests and would get to properly understand the material. Also,fewer classes per day can help students who struggle with keeping things organized or who are taking many difficult classes at once.
With fewer students to teach per day, teachers will have more time to meet with struggling students one-on-one. Students get more time to interact with their teachers and can feel more comfortable asking questions to get the support they need. They may feel more inclined to answer questions or interact with the lessons being taught. Teachers can also take the time and give more personalized feedback to a kid when needed.
In our current schedule, transitioning between classes can lead to students losing focus and having a hard time re-focusing. The sudden change between subjects can disrupt the learning process, which can make it more difficult for students to refocus. Fewer transitions can help students stay concentrated and attentive within their classes. By minimizing transitions and allowing students to spend more time in each class, block scheduling creates a more effective learning environment.