Chapter 9

Abstract:

The chapter was about block scheduling. This kind of scheduling makes it important to start and end the class on a good note, since students are more likely to remember those sections of the lesson in such a long period. This kind of scheduling gives teachers more time to do meaningful activities and also time to plan properly so students get the most out of the lessons. Teachers can also give more to individual attention, then they could in a shorter period; plus students won't feel as rushed through their classes and will feel more relaxed and open to learning at school. Also, the extra time gives teachers a chance to plan co-teaching lessons and collaborate with each other on inter-disciplinary units. When teachers are preparing for increased periods, they should remember to use the backward planning model to identify objectives, create authentic assessment, use supporting activities, find specific modifications that are needed and have the right materials on hand for use.

Reflection:
The longer class periods are better for student learning because unlike in a forty minute class where the first and last minutes are spent with kids staring at the clock, in a longer setting more teaching time is utilized because students have fun doing longer activities and having a break in between now that the teacher has time for it. Teachers need to remember to study their plans, though, and ensure that the time spent on everything is appropriate for understanding, since review can find mistakes or misunderstandings that might have been present after the first draft. Teachers have a chance to use a variety of teaching methods and perhaps even try a new idea or a technology piece they were afraid to use, or did not have time to use, before the schedule grid arrived to their classroom. The reading also mentions the Backwards planning model, which is really important to student learning because ensures that students believe there is a purpose to the supposed madness thrown at them. Take special needs into consideration, because even though the period is going to be longer with block scheduling, it does not mean that increased learning activities will hit every child.