Learning Objectives
Students will be able to understand the principles of time table construction and also able to make a time table.
Introduction
TIME TABLE
A timetable is a detailed plan showing the schedule of time allotment to various subjects and activities. Usually timetable is prepared for a week to be repeated. All the work in school is carried out systematically in tune with the time table. The successful working of a school depends on a suitable timetable. Friends time table said to be second School clock. A time table is necessary for the proper management of the affairs of a school.
Principles of time table construction
Time table give a clear vision and comprehensive picture of cool activities, that is what work is being done during which period were by whom and when. The first thing to be decided in the framing of a timetable is to determine the number of working days in a week and the duration of school hours. All this are determined by regulations approved by the department of education.It also prescribes number of periods for each subjects.All this regulations should be observed while constructing the time table the following principles also must be looked into.They are,
1.Type of school
The time table will considerably depend upon the type of school a different type of time table is prepared for a primary high or Higher secondary school girl's school,boy's school and co-education schools should have different types of time table to serve their individual purpose. The requirement of a rural school and that of an urban school might be different and hence the time table should reflected. In fact the norm of the time table is determined by the norm of the schools of various types.
2.Availability of time
Time table is to be framed within the limits of the time table available . The duration of working hours and amounts of time required for a particular subject and the organisation of activity should be taken into consideration.
3.Staff, Building, and Equipment
The availability of staff, building and equipment is an important consideration while constructing a timetable.The time table is to be formed in accordance with the number of rooms available, number of teachers,accommodation in the rooms or in laboratory etc.
4. Relative important and difficulty of subject
There are certain social and economic consideration that determine the importance of the subjects.Subjects like English and mathematics are supposed to be important and difficult and so they should be a lot more time.
These so cold difficulties of dead should be accommodated in the morning fresh hours of the school. Subject like drawing, painting, PT,music etc can be adjusted in between too difficult subjects. Thus important and difficult subjects should get priority in the time table.
5. Duration of periods
Pupils in lower classes need frequent changes of occupation, with short period to prevent incidence of fatigue.Normally it should be of 30 minutes. Pupils in higher classes may have long periods of 40 minutes to 45. During summer pupils get tired very soon.Hence in summer the duration of periods and even the working hours in the school should be shorter.
6. Principle of fatigue
Fatigue means that Lowering down of efficiency as a result of exhaustion of energy. There can be physical as well as mental fatigue. Fatigue demises, attention and weakness the power of understanding and insight. As a result the work rate is diminished.
Hence while framing time table, we should be familiar with the subjects which cause more fatigue and that time of the day when the students are in a position to concentrate in subjects.
According to fatigability the order of school subject is maths, English, indian languages,science history and geography, drawing painting ,music and PT. All the morning time is considered to be the best for Mental freshness and alertness and warming up. But it has been found by experiment and research that the best work is never done during the opening periods,but only after a certain momentum has been gained. The second and third periods in the morning and second after recess are the best periods for fatiguing subjects. The last period in the afternoon is the worst period. Tuesday and the Wednesday are the best days of the week from the point of view of mental freshness. Monday goes in "warming up" and are the victims of' inertia of rest'. Saturday Saturday is 'worst day '. The incident of mental freshness and alertness maybe shown in following way.Hence while framing the time table the best periods of the day and if possible, best days of the week should be devoted to fatigue causing subjects like mathematics, English etc.
7.Principle of variety
It has been seen experiment early that change of room seed and foster usually is and antidote against weakness.It is applied on both students and teachers variety can be introduced in following manners,
– no subject except science practical should be tempted for two consecutive periods.
– the same class should not set in the same room for the whole day
– the same teacher should not have two consecutive periods in the same class.
– If subject is taught only 2/3 time a week,should follow at intervals.
– the physical training periods,science practical and drawing work follow a change.
8.Principle of play and recreation
Timetable should accommodate a few periods for play and recreation. Recess period should be not more than 30 minutes. In which the students may just play after taking the tiffin. Play other recreation activities are the sources of pleasure and enjoyment.
9.Principle of elasticity.
Find able to be flexible, elastic and not rigid. It should be kept in mind that daily change mares the interest of the students. Yet. Should be a probation for making necessary alteration to it should not be to flexible.
10. Principle of Equitable distribution.
It is expected that the workload should be equally distributed amongst the teacher to maintain peace and happiness in them. Time tae is the index to show the equitable distribution of such work load.
11. Free periods for teacher.
Free periods for teachers should be provided so as to increase their efficiency and also for correctional works. Free period should be scattered over all the days of weak.It is not wise to alot all the free periods in a particular day of weak. It is suggested that a teacher will be allowed atleast three free a day. This will enable him to take rest, to correct the home work and to prepare him self for the class.
12.Department Rules and Regulations.
The time table should be based on the rules and regulations as prescribed by the education department.
13.Principle of fulfillment of needs.
While framing time table, it could be kept in mind whether it is fit for fulfillment of needs. It can pave the way for overall development of students.
14. Factors of climate
We should not have the same time table for all of the session. The timetable meant for summer season should be kept different from mean for winters. It also depends upon the geography which directly effects the weather of that area like hilly area will have different timetable than planes.
15.Principle Of Justice
Work among the members of staff should be equally distributed. Unequal distribution of work may cause frustration. Leisure periods should be judiciously distributed. No teacher should be asked to teach a subject for which he is not qualified.
Time table gives a clear vision and comprehensive picture of school activities. It should follow these all principles. These make time table effective.
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UNIVERSITY QUESTIONS
1.What are the principles of time table construction? (4marks)
