Paxton Bone, Opinions & Editorials Reporter
This school year, TCA decided to roll out a new type of schedule. This type of schedule is called block classes, which means students have fewer classes every day but longer class periods. This is a new change for students because throughout high school, students have had every class every day for the same amount of time. Many students feel differently about this change, but it also affects the teachers. Teachers have more than enough time to teach without burning out students on their subject every day. We will be looking at what students and teachers have to say about these longer classes.
For senior Marshall Hughes, he feels that longer classes “help him get a lot of work done.” Marshall likes how long each class is because he does not have to rush an assignment in an under-hour period. During those classes, he says, “Sometimes it can feel long, but when I stay focused it goes by pretty fast.” The workload is lighter for him, but he said, “As school is starting, it’s not too bad, but it might pick up or might stay the same.” Marshall likes these longer classes because they also give him extra time for homework since you don’t see the teacher again the next day.
For senior Charity Gables, she thinks, “It depends on the days if I like the classes or not. I hate some days and like the other ones.” She says the classes tend to make her sleepy because of how long they feel. Since lunch is further away, “I like to eat Ritz crackers or Welch’s to pass the time.” The workload for her “is a lot easier this year with the longer classes.”
For teacher Mrs. Coalson, she says, “For a class like mine, it’s pretty good because we do a lot of debating in my class. So it gives more time to talk about all of the hot topics we talk about as it relates to faith.” The hour-and-a-half classes feel different to her. “Some days it’s ten out of ten. When we’re debating things, it goes smoothly. It only goes fast and feels fun if everyone participates.” She feels that “if nobody talks, then it’s way too much time.”
Overall, no matter whether you are a teacher or student, these longer classes can help students get more work done. It may feel long right now, but throughout the year, it could get better. We are looking forward to seeing what this new schedule will help us accomplish.
