Despite our belief that what we have is naturally the best, we need look no further than our own state to find a better alternative to our schedule. Block scheduling, in which students have four classes per semester (classes lasting 75-90 minutes each) does not produce significantly different academic results, according to reasearch studies done on the subject, but for shear enjoyment, I find it much better than traditional scheduling.
I was in a block schedule format my freshman year in Toronto, Canada. Although there are minor differences depending on the state or country, block scheduling is essentially the same everywhere. I only had four periods of 75 minutes each, which adds up to 300 total academic minutes per day, compared to 350 at Steinbrenner (seven periods of 50 minutes each). Because of this, my school started at 8:45 am but still ended at 3:00 pm. With the delayed start time, I found myself waking up later than I do now, without feeling the need to take a nap at school. I was actually energized and engaged instead of just going through the motions.
Since there are only four classes being taken at a time (and chances are one or two of them give little work like art or gym), there is much less homework and preparation for class. This especially comes in handy during exam studying time, in which a student can concentrate more on a smaller quantity of classes. Less homework also allows students to structure their commitments around school more effectively. With less classes per day, students switch their focus less, which leads to a deeper involvement in the classes they do have.
Since the amount of class time was shorter, I ended up having a longer lunch period than I do now (it was 65 minutes). This was yet another pro to block scheduling. The argument for the longer period is enforced by the recognition of the administration that, after having such long classes, students deserve a long break. Then again, this is only in my experience.
Ben Schneider / Assistant Sports Editor
The schedule we have now is honestly exhausting , and I think administration should place a new and fresh schedule into the Steinbrenner campus.
I think this is would be a good alternative to Steinbrenner’s regular schedule if the administration would consider changing it.
Even though the day would be shorter and easier for all the students, I think changing to this new schedule anytime soon would make the school do summersaults.