Almost a year ago, I wrote an article discussing the possible pros and cons of block scheduling. However, at the time, I hadn’t actually experienced block scheduling. Since then, my opinions have changed. I was rather optimistic in that article and said that the new block schedule would have its upsides. While it certainly does and I’ve gotten used to 80-minute periods, I wholeheartedly miss the old 8-period schedule and would go back to that schedule if given the chance. 

Before I can discuss the negatives, I must acknowledge the positives. I do actually like how the block schedule prepares me better for what college classes will be like: longer than one hour and less in quantity. I need to get used to sitting and taking notes during a lecture for an elongated time before college comes around, and block scheduling has definitely improved my patience and attention span. Although in class we don’t get the breaks or “interactive” activities that the block schedule promoted, it is how college classes will operate, so I might as well get used to it.

Sadly, Lunch-and-Learns aren’t all they were hyped up to be. For club meetings, most students don’t want to stay both Learns even if it’s necessary. Specifically for arts-and-crafts or more interactive club meetings, it’s nearly impossible to complete an engaging activity within a 30-minute period. Preparing for those Learns also takes a good twenty minutes. After-school meeting attendance is much lower now because students aren’t as interested in attending something they could attend during a Learn period. If you attend Office Hours for Learn, there’s often a whole line of students waiting to ask their questions, making it incredibly difficult to be productive as most of the time is spent waiting for the teacher’s attention. I do enjoy the Learn With Friends and Ping Pong in the Gym option, though. 

In a weird sense, I also feel much more disconnected from the rest of my grade than I did last year — and I think the lack of commuting is the culprit. Because we only have four periods instead of eight in one school day, the reduced amount of walking has made me feel like I only see half the amount of people in my grade that I did last year. 

The biggest benefit of the new schedule is less, wayyy less, homework. Even in AP classes, I receive the same amount of homework I would’ve gotten if school operated on an 8-period schedule. Looking back on the other school years, I’m unbelievably impressed with myself and everyone else that we were able to complete the same amount of work on a daily basis. I have so much more free time because of the significant decrease in work.

All in all, I would jump back to the 8-period schedules in a heartbeat, but I’m glad the block schedule will prepare us all well for the true *college experience*.