lesblok

Lesblok is a term used in Dutch and Flemish education to describe a fixed block of time in the school timetable during which a lesson or a set of related activities takes place. It functions as a basic unit for organizing the school day and coordinating subjects, teachers, and rooms.

Durations vary by level and school. In primary education, lesblokken typically last about 45 to 60 minutes. In secondary education, blocks are often longer, commonly ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, with some schools using double lesblokken that span two standard blocks for more extensive study, labs, or project work.

Relation to other timetable concepts. The lesblok is distinct from a shorter lesuur or lesson period, but can be used for a single subject or for a cluster of related activities within one block. Some schools employ rotating or block schedules in which subjects are distributed across different blocks on different days or weeks, influencing how a lesblok is allocated.

Advantages and criticisms. Longer blocks can support sustained focus, practical or interdisciplinary work, and reduced transition times between activities. They may also facilitate in-depth teaching and better classroom management for certain subjects. Criticisms include potential fatigue during longer sessions, reduced flexibility in case of timetable disruptions, and increased demand on teachers to plan longer, cohesive activities.

Origin and usage. The concept is a common element of contemporary timetable design in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking Belgium, where it interacts with related concepts such as lesuur, rooster (timetable), and double lesblok.