An Observation Evaluation of High School A/B Block Classes: Variety or Monotony?.

Bush, M. Joan; Johnstone, Whitcomb G.

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Record Details - ED444231

Title: An Observation Evaluation of High School A/B Block Classes: Variety or Monotony?

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Title:	An Observation Evaluation of High School A/B Block Classes: Variety or Monotony?
Authors:	Bush, M. Joan; Johnstone, Whitcomb G.
Descriptors:	Block Scheduling; Classroom Techniques; Educational Environment; Educational Practices; Flexible Scheduling; High Schools; School Schedules; Teacher Improvement; Teaching Methods; Time Management; Time on Task
Source:	N/A
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Publisher:	N/A
Publication Date:	2000-04-00
Pages:	36
Pub Types:	Numerical/Quantitative Data; Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Abstract:	This paper examines the implementation of an alternate block (A/B) schedule in three high schools in Irving, Texas. The purpose is to review how time was used in 48 randomly selected high school Algebra 1, Biology 1, English 2, and U.S. History classes. Of the 48 classes, 12 observations were conducted for each course. The findings revealed a predominance of teacher-centered instruction across all courses. Teachers spent the majority of time presenting content and monitoring student seatwork, while students primarily listened to the teacher, responded to teacher questions, and completed seatwork. The most used teacher and student materials (overhead, chalkboard, textbooks, worksheets, notebook paper) further pointed to a teacher-centered environment. Results of checklists revealed a moderately high level of student engagement, little or no individualization of instruction, and a mixed use of thinking indicators. When teacher and student time allocations were compared to expert estimates, large discrepancies were found which further accentuated the lack of student-centered instruction included in the lessons. After 4 years, most teachers had not adapted instruction to take advantage of the longer blocks of time. Implications indicate that teachers needed clear, measurable goals related to instructional strategies and the best use of 90-minute blocks of time. (Author)
Abstractor:	N/A
Reference Count:	N/A

Note:	Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association (New Orleans, Louisiana, April 24-28, 2000).
Identifiers:	Irving Independent School District TX
Record Type:	Non-Journal
Level:	1 - Available on microfiche
Institutions:	N/A
Sponsors:	N/A
ISBN:	N/A
ISSN:	N/A
Audiences:	N/A
Languages:	English
Education Level:	High Schools

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