Available online at ijci.wcci-international.org
International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2)
(2022) 1166–1188
IJCI
International Journal of
Curriculum and Instruction
1166
Using graph coloring for effective timetable
scheduling at ordinary secondary level
Emmanuel Deogratias
a
*
a
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Dodoma, P.O.Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of timetable scheduling that was developed using
graph coloring for the class period time tabling. This study presents a study of using graph coloring for
effective timetable scheduling at ordinary secondary level, a case study of Dodoma central secondary school
in Dodoma city. Algorithms for timetable scheduling using graph coloring were developed, the training for
academic teachers on how to design a class periods timetable using graph coloring was offered, and the
developed class timetable through teachers’ opinions on the effectiveness of the new timetable was assessed.
It was found that the new timetable was effective because it eliminated collisions among teachers while using
the timetable. This finding has implications on teaching and learning process by using an effective timetable
preparation and implementation.
Keywords: Graph colouring; Python programming language; Timetabling; secondary school
© 2016 IJCI & the Authors. Published by International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction (IJCI). This is an open-
access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-NC-ND)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
1. Introduction
Teachers at schools in Tanzania use timetable scheduling to attend classes and for
invigilation of examinations (mid-term, terminal and annual examinations). However,
there have been a challenge of preparing this timetable (Carter, Laporte & Lee, 1996).
One of the challenges is overlapping of teaching class periods. The same teacher is
allocated at two or more class periods at the same time (Burke, Elliman, & Weare, 1994).
Another challenge is that some schools in Tanzania still using traditional approach of
preparing timetable such as using excel and MS word. This study used graph coloring to
eliminate these challenges during teaching and examination invigilation by formulating
an algorithm using python programming language. Academic teachers at one of
*
Corresponding author name. Phone.: +0-000-000-0000
E-mail address: author@institution.xxx
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1167
secondary schools in Dodoma were also trained on how to use graph coloring and python
programming language to prepare timetable.
Main objective of this study was to assess effectiveness of a new class timetable that was
developed using graph coloring after being used at ordinary secondary school level. The
following were specific objectives:
To formulate an algorithm using graph coloring for effective timetable scheduling
at ordinary secondary school level.
To develop timetable scheduling of the class periods using graph coloring.
To assess how the developed class timetable using graph coloring is effective in
teaching and learning process.
To provide training to teachers on how to prepare class timetable using graph
coloring.
The intention of this study was to provide knowledge and skills to teachers on how to
prepare class timetable that will be friendly for teaching and learning. Also, this study
informs teachers in secondary schools on how they can design class timetable using
graph coloring to avoid collision of the class periods among teachers as well as to avoid
conflicts among teachers while using class timetable scheduling.
The study focused on exploring the following research questions:
How an algorithm can be formulated using graph coloring and python
programming language for effective timetable scheduling at ordinary secondary
school level?
How can timetable scheduling of the class periods be developed using graph
coloring?
How can the developed timetable using graph coloring be assessed for effective
teaching and learning process?
How can teachers be trained on how to prepare class timetable using graph
coloring?
2. An informative literature reviews
Discuss Graph coloring is the process of assigning colors to the vertices of the graph so
that no two adjacent vertices are assigned the same color (Deo, 1990). While assigning
colors to an object, the focus is on its vertices, edges and faces. However, the key object is
the vertex coloring because other objects can be transformed into vertex version graph
coloring problems.
While coloring the graphs, the assumption is that graphs are connected in the sense
that all components of the graphs are connected and can be colored dependently.
Graph coloring is applicable in various complex problems, including optimization
(Miner, Elmohamed & Yau,1995). For example, we can use graph coloring to optimize
partition of mutually exclusive events. The same approach can be used to focus on
1168 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
developing and exploring time tabling and class time tabling at ordinary secondary level.
This approach can be used because graph coloring is a heuristic algorithm which deals
with timetable scheduling to satisfy the teaching and learning requirements involving
subjects demand and their combination. Subject conflict graph is constructed in such a
way that subjects represent nodes while edges represent conflicting subjects having
common students (Welsh & Powell, 1967).
Various work has been done by different scholars on the problem of subject scheduling
by using graph coloring (Carter, 1986; Kiaer & Yellen, 1992). The authors used the
relationship between time tabling and graph coloring to solve (or approximately solve)
the minimum coloring problem more efficiently. They were also successfully in coloring
graphs that arise from time tabling problem, more specifically examination time tabling
problems.
Welsh and Powell (1967) illustrated the relationship between time tabling and graph
coloring and developed a new general graph coloring algorithm to solve the minimum
coloring problem more efficiently.
Dutton and Bingham (1981) also introduced two of the most popular heuristic graph
coloring algorithms. Considering each color one by one, a clique is formed by continually
merging the two vertices with the most common adjacent vertices. On completion,
identical coloring is applied to all the vertices which are merged into the same.
Through developing color algorithms, other scholars were able to use this concept to
solve problem of time tabling. For instance, Carter (1986) conducted an examination time
tabling survey. The developed examination time tabling schedule using graph coloring
was accepted and used by many educational institutions to solve their examination
timetabling problems.
According to Carter in his survey, his work is significant as it has the objective of
obtaining “conflict-free” schedules, given a fixed number of time periods turned out to be
one of the most complex timetabling applications.
Kiaer and Yellen (1992) also described heuristic algorithm using graph coloring
approach to find approximate solutions for a University course timetabling problem. The
algorithm using a weighted graph to model the problem aimed at finding a least cost K-
coloring of the graph. K represents the number of available time slots while minimizing
conflicts.
From the literature review, it was found that all researchers focused on timetable
scheduling for colleges and for universities, but this project focused on assessing how
graph coloring can be effective for timetable scheduling at ordinary secondary school
level. Also, no research that has been conducted in Tanzanian ordinary secondary schools
to investigate the effectiveness of timetable scheduling using graph coloring.
Furthermore, there have been software used in preparing timetable in Tanzania
including using python. This is usually done to schools in urban areas where there is
availability of electricity and internet access. However, most of secondary school teachers
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1169
in rural areas use manual, MS word and excel to prepare class timetable. For example,
teachers in Dodoma Central secondary school still use excel to prepare class timetable.
This study used graph coloring for preparing class timetable for ordinary secondary
school level.
3. Method
This was a qualitative study in nature (Merriam, 1988, 1998, 2009). In this study
qualitative case study was used because the study focused on opinions of the teachers
after using the new developed timetable using graph coloring and python programming
language.
Two academic teachers at Dodoma central secondary school was trained on how to use
graph coloring and python programming language to develop class timetable. A new class
timetable was developed using graph coloring and python programming language and
implemented in the class for a duration of two weeks. After that, five teachers were asked
to bring their opinions on how the new timetable informed their teaching in the
classrooms.
In this study the data were collected by using prepared reflective questions (Appendix
A) and using tape recorders to gather opinions from the teachers after using the new
timetable.
Content analysis was used to analyze data gathered using tape recorders. Content
analysis involved three steps: preparing data, organizing data, and reporting results (Elo
et al., 2014). Also, python programming language was used to develop algorithms for
timetable construction by generating codes (see Appendix B).
The reliability of this study was checked and found that since the same procedures and
process for preparing timetable using graph coloring were used by academic teachers
after training, then the results are reliable. Also, the validity of the study was checked
and found that the academic teachers were able to develop a class timetable after
training using graph coloring and python programming language.
Ethical considerations revealed in this study including applying a letter of permission
for data collection at Dodoma central secondary school, teachers at Dodoma central
school were asked to volunteer participating in this study, and teachers were asked for
the consent before conducting this study.
4. Results
4.1 Developed algorithms for class timetabling using graph coloring
According to this study of using graph coloring for effective timetable scheduling, the
general codes were constructed that were used to develop the general timetable for
1170 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
Dodoma central secondary school. The following are the algorithms that were developed
using python programming language and later were used to construct class timetable.
i. Import the necessary library
Pathlib
Csv (Comma separated value)
ii. Creating empty list for
Subjects
Class list
Starting hour for first subject-7
Defining next subject hour-8
Defining school days
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
iii. Function to fill the subjects
// Ask user the subject and fill in subject list
// Accept user input (in string format)
// Separate the subject list by comma
// Loop the entire list {
Loop the subject list and transform in capital letter
If (not a subject in list) {
Append the subject
iv. Function for planning time () {
// Ask hour to user
// Output the subject list first
// Specify time for subject
Let user to enter the subject at the specified time
Return user answer
}
v. Function to fill the subjects
// Ask user the subject and fill in subject list
// Accept user input (in string format)
// Separate the subject list by comma
// Loop the entire list {
Loop the subject list and transform in capital letter
If (not a subject in list) {
Append the subject
vi. Function for planning time () {
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1171
// Ask hour to user
// Output the subject list first
// Specify time for subject
Let user to enter the subject at the specified time
Return user answer
}
vii. Function for filling timetable () {
// Allocate the school days
// Loop when time is less to 4
Specify format
//If time is midday, then it is break time
// If not then continue to fill subject for that day
}
viii. Save data to excel format
Function for saving and writing records () {
//Recall the list
// Fill into specified file path
//Notify user if data is already created
}
4.2 Developed class timetable using graph coloring
From the developed algorithms using python programming language, a new class
timetable was developed as described below.
Table 1. Timetable for Dodoma central secondary school
Day
Time
Period
Form 1
Form II
Form III
Form IV
Monday
8h-9h
1
Chemistry
English
Mathematics
Kiswahili
9h-10h
2
Chemistry
English
Mathematics
Kiswahili
10h-11h
3
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
11h-12h
4
Civics
Kiswahili
Geography
Biology
Tuesday
8h-9h
1
Mathematics
Kiswahili
English
Geography
9h-10h
2
Mathematics
Biology
English
Geography
10h-11h
3
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
11h-12h
4
English
Mathematics
History
Mathematics
Wednesday
8h-9h
1
Physics
English
History
Civics
9h-10h
2
History
English
Kiswahili
History
10h-11h
3
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
11h-12h
4
Kiswahili
Geography
Physics
History
1172 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
Thursday
8h-9h
1
Kiswahili
Geography
Geography
Kiswahili
9h-10h
2
physics
geography
biology
Kiswahili
10h-11h
3
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
11h-12h
4
English
Civics
Biology
Mathematics
Friday
8h-9h
1
English
Physics
Geography
History
9h-10h
2
Geography
Chemistry
Mathematics
Physics
10h-11h
3
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
Break Time
11h-12h
4
Geography
Biology
Chemistry
Chemistry
4.3 The effectiveness of the class timetable developed using graph coloring in
teaching and learning process
The new class timetable was developed and sent to the Dodoma Central Secondary
School. After that, teachers at school started to use this timetable immediately, and this
class timetable was implemented for two weeks. This is because students were
approaching to start terminal examinations.
At the end of the study, opinions from teachers were collected using reflective
questions to assess effectiveness of our timetable. The following are examples of the
participants’ reflections:
“The new timetable is good as compared to the old one” (Teacher 1)
“There is new change since the new timetable has tried to resolve the problem of
collisions of class periods.” (Teacher 2)
The new timetable has helped teachers to resolve the issue of collisions of class
periods “since all subjects are arranged clearly in the new timetable through
following the class periods properly as well as subject teachers.” (Teacher 3)
Based on the above participants’ opinions, all five teachers responded that the new
class timetable was good and friendly to them, this is because it helped to minimize
collision of class periods.
4.4 Training academic teachers on how to prepare class timetable using
graph coloring
At the beginning of this study, two academic teachers at Dodoma central school were
asked if they had heard about preparing class timetable using graph coloring and python
programming language. The academic teachers said no, they used only excel to prepare
school timetable. See appendix C which is the old class timetable for teaching students
in Form I to Form IV classes.
After that, the academic teachers were taught on how to prepare class timetable using
graph coloring while using python programming language in developing codes. At the
end of the training, python programming software was installed in teachers’ computers
so that they can practice and be competent to prepare the timetable by using graph
coloring in the future. Also, teachers reflected on their learning after being trained on
how to prepare timetable by using graph coloring and python programming language.
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1173
Some of their reflections are:
“I have learned and get new knowledge on how to prepare class timetable by
using python software, and I am able to use this approach for class timetable
preparation” (Academic teacher 1)
“I have surprised to see new and interesting approach to timetable construction
whereby you enter the subjects into the program, the timetable is generated
automatically” (Academic teacher 2)
“Also, your timetable developed using graph coloring and implemented by
python programming language has helped to reduce collision of class periods.”
(Academic teacher 2)
“I didn’t know how to use python programming language and graph coloring in
constructing a new timetable and for now I know how to prepare it.” (Academic
teacher 1)
From these reflections, we can see that using graph coloring to prepare class timetable
was potential for effective teaching and learning process at Dodoma Central secondary
school.
5. Conclusions
This study gives a lesson that nothing is impossible, what matter is provision of
knowledge and skills. Academic teachers were not aware of using graph coloring to
develop class timetable. However, after giving a training, the teachers were able to do so
and promise to practice it in preparing school timetabling using graph coloring and
python programming language. It was found that the developed class timetable using
graph coloring was effective in teaching and learning process because there was no
collision of class periods.
In closing, this study recommends that teachers at schools should use graph coloring
for preparing class period timetabling because of avoiding collision. Also, further study
should be conducted at Tanzanian’s schools on using graph coloring for examination
timetabling.
Acknowledgements
The author acknowledges seven teachers at Dodoma Central Secondary School for
active participation in this study.
1174 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
References
Burke, K., Elliman, G., & Weare, R. (1994). A university timetabling system based on graph
coloring and constraint manipulation. Journal of Research on Computing in Education, 27(1),
1-18.
Carter, M. (1986). Or practice—a survey of practical applications of examination timetabling
algorithms. Computers and Operations Research, 34(2), 193—202.
Carter, W., Laporte, G., & Lee, Y. (1996). Examination timetabling: Algorithmic strategies and
applications. Journal of the Operational Research Society 47(3), 373–383.
Deo, N. (1990). Graph theory with applications to engineering and computer Science. Prentice
Hall of India.
Dutton, R., & Brigham, R. (1981). A new graph coloring algorithm. Computer Journal, 24(1), 85–
86.
Eto, S., Kääriäinen, M., Kanste, O., Pölkki, T., Utriainen, K., & Kyngäs, H. (2014). Qualitative
content analysis: A focus on trustworthiness. SAGE Open, 1—10. doi:
10.1177/2158244014522633
Kiaer, L., & Yellen, J. (1992). Weighted graphs and university timetabling. Computers and
Operations Research, 19(1), 59-67.
Merriam, S. (1988). Case study research in education: A qualitative approach. San Francisco, CA:
Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Merriam, S. (1998). Qualitative research and case study applications in education. San Francisco,
NY: California.
Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research a guide to design and implementation. San Francisco,
CA: Jossey-Bass.
Miner, K., Elmohamed, S., & Yau, W. (1995). Optimizing timetabling solutions using graph
coloring. Syracuse University.
Welsh, A., & Powell, B. (1967). An upper bound for the chromatic number of a graph and its
application to timetabling problems. The Computer Journal,10(1), 85-86.
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1175
Appendix A: Reflective questions
1. What can you say about this new class timetable?
2. Is there any change you have noticed after using a new class timetable? If yes, please
explain for me.
3. What can you say after using a new class timetable from the previous one? Please explain
for me.
4. How do you think the new timetable has helped you to achieve your teaching goal(s)?
Please explain for me.
5. What surprised you after using this new timetable. Please explain for me.
6. What have you learned that you did not know before using this new timetable? Please
explain for me.
7. Do you think this new timetable has helped you and other teachers to resolve the issue of
collision of class periods? How?
8. 8.How would you recommend for a new class timetable to other teachers?
Appendix B: Codes generated while developing algorithms for class timetabling using
python programming language
Code1: constructing form one timetable
import pathlib
import csv
subjects_list = []
class_list=[]
start_hour = 7
next_hour = 8
school_days = [
'monday',
'tuesday',
'wednesday',
'thursday',
'friday'
]
time_slot_list = []
subject_per_slot = {}
MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT = 6
subject_hour_count = {}
# # =================enter the list of classes contained to the school==============
# def fill_out_class_list():PYT
# """Ask user classes and fill in classes list"""
# classes = input('Type all class you want
# and separate them by comma: ')
# the_classes = classes.replace(', ', ',')
# the_classes = the_classes.split(',')
# for clas in the_classes:
1176 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
# clas = classes.capitalize()
# for x in the_classes:
# print(x)
# if not clas in class_list:
# class_list.append(clas)
# subject_hour_count[clas] = MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT
# ==============================end of
class=======================================
def fill_out_subjects_list():
print("==============SCHOOL TIME TABLE FOR FORM
ONE=======================")
"""Ask user subjects and fill in subjects list"""
subjects = input('Type all subjects you want add in subjects list\
and separate them by comma: ')
the_subjects = subjects.replace(', ', ',')
the_subjects = the_subjects.split(',')
for subject in the_subjects:
subject = subject.capitalize()
if not subject in subjects_list:
subjects_list.append(subject)
subject_hour_count[subject] = MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT
def ask_hour():
"""Ask hour to user"""
print(f'Subjects list: {subjects_list}')
print(f'class list: {class_list}')
# form_one=print('Enter form one class to continue')
print(f'Planning time: {start_hour}h-{next_hour}h')
user_answer = input('What\'s subject do you want put here? ')
return user_answer
def fill_in_timetable():
# print("Enter the subjects for Form ome (1) Students")
"""Display an hour & ask user which subject he want to put there"""
global start_hour
global next_hour
for day in school_days:
the_hour = {}
time = 0
start_hour = 8
next_hour = 9
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print('\n---------------------------')
print(f'{day.capitalize()} timetable')
print('---------------------------\n')
while time < 4:
hour_format = f'{start_hour}h-{next_hour}h'
# it's represent 8 hours/per day for school
if time == 2: # if it's a midday (12.am), make a break
# Add a break in timetable with 'Break time' as inscription
subject_per_slot[hour_format] = ['Break time']
# Add hour format while making sure we avoid duplicate
if not hour_format in time_slot_list:
time_slot_list.append('hour_format')
else:
chosen_subject = ask_hour().capitalize()
print(f'start_hour: {start_hour}')
print(f'next_hour: {next_hour}')
# Check that subject chosen by user is in subjects list
while not chosen_subject in subjects_list:
print(f'{chosen_subject} is not in subjects list.')
print('Choose another subject.')
chosen_subject = ask_hour().capitalize()
# Add hour format while making sure we avoid duplicate
if not hour_format in time_slot_list:
time_slot_list.append(hour_format)
subject_per_slot[hour_format] = [chosen_subject]
else:
subject_per_slot[hour_format] += [chosen_subject]
# Check that chosen subject max hours didn't reached
for subject, max_hour in subject_hour_count.items():
if chosen_subject == subject:
# remove one hour on subject max hour
subject_hour_count[chosen_subject] = max_hour - 1
# go to next hour
start_hour += 1
next_hour += 1
time += 1
# fill_out_class_list()
fill_out_subjects_list()
fill_in_timetable()
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print(f'Subject per slot: {subject_per_slot}')
timetable_path = pathlib.Path.cwd() / 'form_one_timetable.csv'
with open(timetable_path, 'w') as timetable_file:
timetable_writing = csv.writer(timetable_file)
# Write headers into csv file
csv_kichwa_kikuuu=['DODOMA CENTRAL SECONDARY SCHOOL - O LEVEL TIME
TABLE 2021']
csv_kichwa_kikuuu=['FORM ONE']
csv_headers = ['Hours']
csv_headers.extend(school_days)
timetable_writing.writerow(csv_kichwa_kikuuu)
timetable_writing.writerow(csv_headers)
# Write content into csv file
for time_slot, concerned_subjects in subject_per_slot.items():
time_line = [time_slot]
concerned_subjects_list = []
if concerned_subjects == ['Break time']:
for x in range(0, len(school_days)):
concerned_subjects_list.append('Break time')
else:
concerned_subjects_list = concerned_subjects
final_line = time_line + concerned_subjects_list
timetable_writing.writerow(final_line)
print('Your form one timetable is ready')
Code for constructing Form two timetable
import pathlib
import csv
subjects_list = []
class_list=[]
start_hour = 7
next_hour = 8
school_days = [
'monday',
'tuesday',
'wednesday',
'thursday',
'friday'
]
time_slot_list = []
subject_per_slot = {}
MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT = 6
subject_hour_count = {}
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1179
# =================enter the list of classes contained to the school==============
def fill_out_class_list():
"""Ask user classes and fill in classes list"""
classes = input('Type all class you want \
and separate them by comma: ')
the_classes = classes.replace(', ', ',')
the_classes = the_classes.split(',')
for clas in the_classes:
clas = classes.capitalize()
for x in the_classes:
print(x)
if not clas in class_list:
class_list.append(clas)
subject_hour_count[clas] = MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT
# ==============================end of
class=======================================
def fill_out_subjects_list():
print("==============SCHOOL TIME TABLE FOR FORM TWO
2021=======================")
"""Ask user subjects and fill in subjects list"""
subjects = input('Type all subjects you want add in subjects list and separate them by
comma: ')
the_subjects = subjects.replace(', ', ',')
the_subjects = the_subjects.split(',')
for subject in the_subjects:
subject = subject.capitalize()
if not subject in subjects_list:
subjects_list.append(subject)
subject_hour_count[subject] = MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT
def ask_hour():
"""Ask hour to user"""
print(f'Subjects list: {subjects_list}')
print(f'class list: {class_list}')
# form_one=print('Enter form one class to continue')
print(f'Planning time: {start_hour}h-{next_hour}h')
user_answer = input('What\'s subject do you want put here? ')
return user_answer
def fill_in_timetable():
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# print("Enter the subjects for Form ome (1) Students")
"""Display an hour & ask user which subject he want to put there"""
global start_hour
global next_hour
for day in school_days:
the_hour = {}
time = 0
start_hour = 8
next_hour = 9
print('\n---------------------------')
print(f'{day.capitalize()} timetable')
print('---------------------------\n')
while time < 4:
hour_format = f'{start_hour}h-{next_hour}h'
# it's represent 8 hours/per day for school
if time == 2: # if it's a midday (12.am), make a break
# Add a break in timetable with 'Break time' as inscription
subject_per_slot[hour_format] = ['Break time']
# Add hour format while making sure we avoid duplicate
if not hour_format in time_slot_list:
time_slot_list.append('hour_format')
else:
chosen_subject = ask_hour().capitalize()
print(f'start_hour: {start_hour}')
print(f'next_hour: {next_hour}')
# Check that subject chosen by user is in subjects list
while not chosen_subject in subjects_list:
print(f'{chosen_subject} is not in subjects list.')
print('Choose another subject.')
chosen_subject = ask_hour().capitalize()
# Add hour format while making sure we avoid duplicate
if not hour_format in time_slot_list:
time_slot_list.append(hour_format)
subject_per_slot[hour_format] = [chosen_subject]
else:
subject_per_slot[hour_format] += [chosen_subject]
# Check that chosen subject max hours didn't reached
for subject, max_hour in subject_hour_count.items():
if chosen_subject == subject:
# remove one hour on subject max hour
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1181
subject_hour_count[chosen_subject] = max_hour - 1
# go to next hour
start_hour += 1
next_hour += 1
time += 1
# fill_out_class_list()
fill_out_subjects_list()
fill_in_timetable()
print(f'Subject per slot: {subject_per_slot}')
timetable_path = pathlib.Path.cwd() / 'form_two_timetable.csv'
with open(timetable_path, 'w') as timetable_file:
timetable_writing = csv.writer(timetable_file)
# Write headers into csv file
csv_kichwa_kikuuu=['DODOMA CENTRAL SECONDARY SCHOOL - O LEVEL TIME
TABLE 2021']
csv_kichwa_kikuuu=['FORM TWO']
csv_headers = ['Hours']
csv_headers.extend(school_days)
timetable_writing.writerow(csv_kichwa_kikuuu)
timetable_writing.writerow(csv_headers)
# Write content into csv file
for time_slot, concerned_subjects in subject_per_slot.items():
time_line = [time_slot]
concerned_subjects_list = []
if concerned_subjects == ['Break time']:
for x in range(0, len(school_days)):
concerned_subjects_list.append('Break time')
else:
concerned_subjects_list = concerned_subjects
final_line = time_line + concerned_subjects_list
timetable_writing.writerow(final_line)
print('Your form two timetable is ready')
Code for constructing Form three timetable
import pathlib
import csv
subjects_list = []
class_list=[]
start_hour = 7
next_hour = 8
1182 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
school_days = [
'monday',
'tuesday'
]
time_slot_list = []
subject_per_slot = {}
MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT = 6
subject_hour_count = {}
# =================enter the list of classes contained to the school==============
def fill_out_class_list():
"""Ask user classes and fill in classes list"""
classes = input('Type all class you want \
and separate them by comma: ')
the_classes = classes.replace(', ', ',')
the_classes = the_classes.split(',')
for clas in the_classes:
clas = classes.capitalize()
for x in the_classes:
print(x)
if not clas in class_list:
class_list.append(clas)
subject_hour_count[clas] = MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT
# ==============================end of
class=======================================
def fill_out_subjects_list():
"""Ask user subjects and fill in subjects list"""
subjects = input('Type all subjects you want add in subjects list\
and separate them by comma: ')
the_subjects = subjects.replace(', ', ',')
the_subjects = the_subjects.split(',')
for subject in the_subjects:
subject = subject.capitalize()
if not subject in subjects_list:
subjects_list.append(subject)
subject_hour_count[subject] = MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT
def ask_hour():
"""Ask hour to user"""
print(f'Subjects list: {subjects_list}')
print(f'class list: {class_list}')
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1183
# form_one=print('Enter form one class to continue')
print(f'Planning time: {start_hour}h-{next_hour}h')
user_answer = input('What\'s subject do you want put here? ')
return user_answer
def fill_in_timetable():
# print("Enter the subjects for Form ome (1) Students")
"""Display an hour & ask user which subject he want to put there"""
global start_hour
global next_hour
for day in school_days:
the_hour = {}
time = 0
start_hour = 8
next_hour = 9
print('\n---------------------------')
print(f'{day.capitalize()} timetable')
print('---------------------------\n')
while time < 4:
hour_format = f'{start_hour}h-{next_hour}h'
# it's represent 8 hours/per day for school
if time == 2: # if it's a midday (12.am), make a break
# Add a break in timetable with 'Break time' as inscription
subject_per_slot[hour_format] = ['Break time']
# Add hour format while making sure we avoid duplicate
if not hour_format in time_slot_list:
time_slot_list.append('hour_format')
else:
chosen_subject = ask_hour().capitalize()
print(f'start_hour: {start_hour}')
print(f'next_hour: {next_hour}')
# Check that subject chosen by user is in subjects list
while not chosen_subject in subjects_list:
print(f'{chosen_subject} is not in subjects list.')
print('Choose another subject.')
chosen_subject = ask_hour().capitalize()
# Add hour format while making sure we avoid duplicate
if not hour_format in time_slot_list:
time_slot_list.append(hour_format)
1184 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
subject_per_slot[hour_format] = [chosen_subject]
else:
subject_per_slot[hour_format] += [chosen_subject]
# Check that chosen subject max hours didn't reached
for subject, max_hour in subject_hour_count.items():
if chosen_subject == subject:
# remove one hour on subject max hour
subject_hour_count[chosen_subject] = max_hour - 1
# go to next hour
start_hour += 1
next_hour += 1
time += 1
# fill_out_class_list()
fill_out_subjects_list()
fill_in_timetable()
print(f'Subject per slot: {subject_per_slot}')
timetable_path = pathlib.Path.cwd() / 'form_three_timetable.csv'
with open(timetable_path, 'w') as timetable_file:
timetable_writing = csv.writer(timetable_file)
# Write headers into csv file
csv_kichwa_kikuuu=['DODOMA CENTRAL SECONDARY SCHOOL - O LEVEL TIME
TABLE 2021']
csv_kichwa_kikuuu=['FORM THREE']
csv_headers = ['Hours']
csv_headers.extend(school_days)
timetable_writing.writerow(csv_kichwa_kikuuu)
timetable_writing.writerow(csv_headers)
# Write content into csv file
for time_slot, concerned_subjects in subject_per_slot.items():
time_line = [time_slot]
concerned_subjects_list = []
if concerned_subjects == ['Break time']:
for x in range(0, len(school_days)):
concerned_subjects_list.append('Break time')
else:
concerned_subjects_list = concerned_subjects
final_line = time_line + concerned_subjects_list
timetable_writing.writerow(final_line)
print('Your form three timetable is ready')
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1185
Code for constructing Form four timetable
import pathlib
import csv
subjects_list = []
class_list=[]
start_hour = 7
next_hour = 8
school_days = [
'monday',
'tuesday',
'wednesday',
'thursday',
'friday'
]
time_slot_list = []
subject_per_slot = {}
MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT = 6
subject_hour_count = {}
# =================enter the list of classes contained to the school==============
def fill_out_class_list():
"""Ask user classes and fill in classes list"""
classes = input('Type all class you want \
and separate them by comma: ')
the_classes = classes.replace(', ', ',')
the_classes = the_classes.split(',')
for clas in the_classes:
clas = classes.capitalize()
for x in the_classes:
print(x)
if not clas in class_list:
class_list.append(clas)
subject_hour_count[clas] = MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT
# ==============================end of
class=======================================
def fill_out_subjects_list():
print("==============SCHOOL TIME TABLE FOR FORM FOUR
2021=======================")
"""Ask user subjects and fill in subjects list"""
subjects = input('Type all subjects you want add in subjects list\
and separate them by comma: ')
the_subjects = subjects.replace(', ', ',')
the_subjects = the_subjects.split(',')
1186 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
for subject in the_subjects:
subject = subject.capitalize()
if not subject in subjects_list:
subjects_list.append(subject)
subject_hour_count[subject] = MAX_HOUR_PER_SUBJECT
def ask_hour():
"""Ask hour to user"""
print(f'Subjects list: {subjects_list}')
print(f'class list: {class_list}')
# form_one=print('Enter form one class to continue')
print(f'Planning time: {start_hour}h-{next_hour}h')
user_answer = input('What\'s subject do you want put here? ')
return user_answer
def fill_in_timetable():
# print("Enter the subjects for Form ome (1) Students")
"""Display an hour & ask user which subject he want to put there"""
global start_hour
global next_hour
for day in school_days:
the_hour = {}
time = 0
start_hour = 8
next_hour = 9
print('\n---------------------------')
print(f'{day.capitalize()} timetable')
print('---------------------------\n')
while time < 4:
hour_format = f'{start_hour}h-{next_hour}h'
# it's represent 8 hours/per day for school
if time == 2: # if it's a midday (12.am), make a break
# Add a break in timetable with 'Break time' as inscription
subject_per_slot[hour_format] = ['Break time']
# Add hour format while making sure we avoid duplicate
if not hour_format in time_slot_list:
time_slot_list.append('hour_format')
else:
chosen_subject = ask_hour().capitalize()
print(f'start_hour: {start_hour}')
print(f'next_hour: {next_hour}')
Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188 1187
# Check that subject chosen by user is in subjects list
while not chosen_subject in subjects_list:
print(f'{chosen_subject} is not in subjects list.')
print('Choose another subject.')
chosen_subject = ask_hour().capitalize()
# Add hour format while making sure we avoid duplicate
if not hour_format in time_slot_list:
time_slot_list.append(hour_format)
subject_per_slot[hour_format] = [chosen_subject]
else:
subject_per_slot[hour_format] += [chosen_subject]
# Check that chosen subject max hours didn't reached
for subject, max_hour in subject_hour_count.items():
if chosen_subject == subject:
# remove one hour on subject max hour
subject_hour_count[chosen_subject] = max_hour - 1
# go to next hour
start_hour += 1
next_hour += 1
time += 1
# fill_out_class_list()
fill_out_subjects_list()
fill_in_timetable()
print(f'Subject per slot: {subject_per_slot}')
timetable_path = pathlib.Path.cwd() / 'form_four_timetable.csv'
with open(timetable_path, 'w') as timetable_file:
timetable_writing = csv.writer(timetable_file)
# Write headers into csv file
csv_kichwa_kikuuu=['DODOMA CENTRAL SECONDARY SCHOOL - O LEVEL TIME
TABLE 2021']
csv_kichwa_kikuuu=['FORM FOUR']
csv_headers = ['Hours']
csv_headers.extend(school_days)
timetable_writing.writerow(csv_kichwa_kikuuu)
timetable_writing.writerow(csv_headers)
# Write content into csv file
for time_slot, concerned_subjects in subject_per_slot.items():
time_line = [time_slot]
concerned_subjects_list = []
if concerned_subjects == ['Break time']:
1188 Deogratias / International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction 14(2) (2022) 1166–1188
for x in range(0, len(school_days)):
concerned_subjects_list.append('Break time')
else:
concerned_subjects_list = concerned_subjects
final_line = time_line + concerned_subjects_list
timetable_writing.writerow(final_line)
print('Your form four timetable is ready')
Appendix C: Old timetable used by Dodoma Central secondary school before
implementing this study
Time
Period
Subject
Form
Day
7:00-8:10
1
Test
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
8:10-8:50
Mathematics
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
8:50-9:30
2
Mathematics
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
9:30-10:10
3
Kiswahili
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
10:10-10:50
4
Chemistry
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
10:50-11:10
5
Break
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
11:10-11:50
6
English
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
11:50-12:30
7
English
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
12:30-13:10
8
Civics
I, II, III, IV
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,
Thursday, Friday
Copyrights
Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the Journal.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution license (CC BY-NC-ND) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
