PRINCIPLES OF TIMETABLE CONSTRUCTION

 

PRINCIPLES OF TIMETABLE CONSTRUCTION It is not an easy task to prepare a good timetable. It is complicated work because it is determined by many factors and conditions, which changes from place to place and school to school. For preparing a time-table, we should follow the following principles: Principle of considering the type of school: The time table is based on the specific needs of the school for which it is meant. For example, primary, secondary, day school or morning school, co-educational school etc. Principle of following departmental regulations: The regulations are obtained from the educational boards that have fixed the school year's length, duration of the school day, duration of each teaching period, and even the number of teaching subjects. This regulation should be followed while preparing the timetable. Principle of the amount of time available: According to the type of school and the total time available in school for maximum utility, all resources at the timetable must be planned. Principle of relative importance and difficulty of the subject: The difficulty level of the subjects is not the same. These are some subjects like math which require more time, and it should be allowed at the beginning of school as the students are fresh to learn. According to NCERT for secondary level, SUBJECTS TIME DISTRIBUTION PERIODS language 30% 12 arithmetic 20% 8 Science 20% 8 history 7.5% 3 geography 7.5% 3 Work education/computer 5% 2 physical education/EVS 5% 2 Social work 5% 2   Principle of Justice: It is imperative to keep in mind that equal distribution of work amongst the teacher has to be  there for two reasons. First of all, all teachers must have an equal number of teaching periods to have justice. Secondly, all must have a nearly identical number of free periods in between equally spread so that all are not free at the same time. Principle of Variety: There should be variety in the timetable, both for the teacher and the taught, as it plays a vital role in fixing the attention. The following precautions may be helpful in this connection. i. Change of room: it helps to reduce the incidence of fatigue. ii. No consecutive periods: no class should be allotted for the same subject for two successive periods except science practical, craft, etc. iii. Variation in the subject: using a blend or combination of different subjects; by providing the easy and complex subject, alternatively. (e.g. Craft class in between math and English) Principle of free periods for teachers: For the teachers' efficiency and for doing the correction work, free periods must be given to the teachers. Meaning of free periods: It means those periods when the teacher is free from actual teaching or taking a class but is not free to do any of our personal work. Free periods are meant for the following- ·         preparing for immediate classes for the next week. ·         Using library or laboratory for the preparation of next teaching period ·         Doing correction work of homework, assignments, classwork, class test, exam, project etc. ·         Completing the progress report card of the students ·         Meeting with the head or coordinator, or supervisor for any academic work ·         Meeting with the principal/parents etc. ·         Completing of the assignment/duties given by the school   Principle of play and recreation: A sound mind in a healthy body is one of the aims of education. For this, it is necessary to mix/blend curriculum activities with co-curricular activities. Time table should have period for play and recreation. These activities are sources of pleasure and enjoyment. Principle of optimum utilization of resources: The availability of stuff, building, and equipment is an essential consideration while constructing the timetable. The timetable list to be formed following the numbers of room available, the number of teachers, accommodation in the rooms, etc. Principle of elasticity: The timetable must be flexible and fluid to cater to the needs of both teacher and the students. It should be remembered that time table is there to make the process systematic in practice, not rigid. Principle of interest: The timetable must not be the same for all the classes. It must be based on psychological aspects like age, standard. E.g. more periods of activities and sports to be allotted in the primary section.