4.2 Principles of Framing the Time-Table
It is not an easy task to prepare a good time-table. A number of things will have to be kept in mind depending upon the particular needs and circumstances of a particular school. Some important principles governing time-table construction are given below.
1. Type of School
The nature of activities to be organized in a school will depend upon the type of the school Activities in a public school will differ from those in an ordinary school. The programme in a rural school will differ from that of an urban school. The needs of pupils in a boy's school, a girl's school or a co-educational school also vary. Single- teachers and double shift schools have their own problems. While framing the time-table, the needs of the school must be taken into account.
2. Building, equipment and staff
While framing the time-table, building, equipment and staff of the school should also be kept in mind. The number of rooms available determines the arrangement of periods to a great extent. Similarly the strength of staff and available equipment will determine the time-table adjustments.
3. Departmental rules and regulations
The Department of Education lays down certain rules and regulations concerning the allotment of periods to a teacher and to a subject, the number of periods in a day, the duration of the school day, the length of the year etc. The time-table is prepared keeping in view these rules and regulations.
4. Availability of time
Time table is prepared keeping in view the time available during the year and during the day. It also depends upon the age group of pupils. In the lower classes, the periods are of lesser duration and in the higher classes, the periods are of longer duration and the school day is also comparatively longer.
5. Importance and difficulty of subjects
Each subject is allotted periods in the time table according to its importance and difficulty. The syllabus of a subject will also determine the allocation of periods to the subject. The number of subjects, subject combinations and the number of elective subjects should also be considered.
6. Fatique
Fatigue is caused when any part of our body works for a longer time. Fatigue may be physical or mental. The subjects which require more brain work should be arranged in the morning when the students are fresh. Certain subjects are more fatiguing than others. Such subjects should be taught in the best periods of the day. Second and third periods are considered as the best periods. So subjects like mathematics, regional languages. science, English should be taught in the best periods. Subjects like arts, crafts, science practicals, and manual work require comparatively less concentration and should be adjusted in the last periods.
7. Variety
The time-table should be so drafted that there is frequent change of subjects, activities, class-rooms, teachers etc. The difficult subjects should not be taught together, physical work should follow mental work. Change of room, subject, place etc. brings relief to the children. Consecutive periods of a teacher should also be avoided.
8. Flexibility
Time-table is a means to achieve the ends of education and it should be regarded as such. It should provide scope for certain adjustments to meet the specific needs of pupils. Change or leave of a teacher may also require certain adjustments. The time table should be as flexible and elastic as possible.
9. Free periods
Free periods for teachers increase their efficiency and they get time for correction work etc. But the free periods of a teacher should be evenly distributed over the week. A teacher should have a free period after he has taken two or three continuous periods. A science and a craft teacher should have periods just before the practical work in their subjects.
10. Justice
Justice demands almost even distribution of work among the staff. No teacher should be overburdened and no teacher should get undue concession. The subjects should be allotted according to the qualifications, experience and merit of teachers. The right person should be put in the right place.
11. Rest and Recreation
The students should also have certain rest periods in between the school hours. Periods of recreational activities like games, sports, radio and television programmes etc., bring a healthy change in the otherwise monotonous routine of the school.