lohjojärjestelmä

Lohkojärjestelmä, often translated as block system or block scheduling, is a method of organizing a school's academic schedule. Instead of the traditional model where students attend all their classes every day for a semester or year, a block schedule divides the school day into longer periods. These extended periods allow for deeper engagement with subjects and can potentially reduce the number of transitions students make throughout the day.

There are several common variations of block scheduling. One popular model is the A/B day schedule, where students attend a set of classes on one day and a different set on the following day, alternating throughout the week. Another is the 4x4 block, where students take four classes per semester, meeting each for an extended period every day. This means students complete a full year's worth of a subject in a single semester. Other models might involve rotating schedules or a combination of shorter and longer periods.

Proponents of block scheduling often cite benefits such as increased instructional time per subject, more time for hands-on activities and discussions, and a potential for improved student attendance and engagement. They argue that fewer class changes can lead to less disruption and a more focused learning environment. However, critics sometimes point to challenges like potential fatigue during longer classes, the difficulty of retaining information over longer intervals, and the impact on extracurricular activities and sports schedules that may rely on consistent daily class times. The effectiveness of a block system can vary depending on the specific implementation and the school community's needs.