Date
: September 18,2008
To
: Miss Sajida
From
: Syed Suleman Qutb
Subject
: Class Timings and Problems to Both Teacher and Students
1. Introduction. The valuable resource, time, affects the way we use our other resources. It is the only resource that we all have equally. Once used, it’s gone forever. And, unlike many of our resources, time cannot be stored until we have a plan for it. What this mean is that we cannot manage time in the same sense that we can manage money. We need to have some flexibility in our lives to mould it according to our requirements, commitments, environmental factors and customs. 2. Every one of us is in a way related to class timings of universities, schools and colleges either in shape of teacher, parent, or student. Therefore, we can conclude that class timings hold a significant place in directing our lifestyle. A hard-boiled early morning class schedule may turn life miserable and hectic of directly and indirectly concerned, which if fabricated in accordance with people friendly design can bring fruitful results. Following are the factors which support that class timings should be delayed and flexible to lessen the pressure from concerned. 3.
Grounds For Making Class Timings Flexible a. Zero Period. Educational institutions in developed countries have concept of first class as zero period which helps student to conjugate their educational thoughts, complete their assignments and to reach institutions on time. Moreover, it has also been observed that zero periods also assist students in widening their social circle and developing of their interpersonal skills. b. Medical Aspect. Recently, in America a research was carried out on a group of schools where the results showed that those institutions which start at 0900 hours have more attendance and they have far better results that those of early starters. Medical researchers justified this by a fact that a particular hormone in teenagers keeps them awake till late nights, so if they are given roam of waking up an hour late their brain gets the required rest which assists in strengthening of their cognitive development. c. Transport Problem. In Pakistan offices and schools normally start at 8 am which is enough reason for clustering of cars and traffic jam on
congested roads. This can be avoided if we separate the timings of the two making the later start an hour late.
d. Duration Of Lectures. Duration of class in universities/colleges should be reduced to max 50 minutes. Long and lengthy lectures are not only tiresome for teachers but students also often tend to lose their concentration after 40 minutes. Thus stress should be on imparting quality education. e. Nocturnal Researchers. Since night is the only time when a student is free from external impediments therefore, students of higher class frequently spend their mid night oil on studying and research. In order for their fresh and active kick off of subsequent day they certainly require ample rest. Likewise teachers who are working on thesis need cushion of to waking up late.
f. Restraint Timings. Universities, colleges, libraries and computer labs in Pakistan have fixed timings, whereas in developed countries these institutions close on vacations only. Accessibility to these houses of knowledge is difficult and time restrained in our country which is mainly the reason for their being deserted. 4.
Recommendations a. Educational institutions should open at 0900 hours. b. Libraries and labs should remain open for 24 hours. c. Time table should be so planned that students are compelled to study and spend least on wasting.
5.
Conclusion. We had shibboleths like, “Paraha lakaha Punjab Humra” but these are mere slogans and were used mainly for political uplift. We should say good bye to British Royal traditions which are mere pomp and show and interpret education as colossus. We acknowledge that it is only the education which makes and breaks a nation so why not make it easy accessible and comfortable so that more people should get educated. This can only be practiced once there are no hectic and cumbersome timings of institutions.