This past summer, we began offering two summer sessions, each five weeks
long. I taught one section of the basic mathematics course during this
five week semester and had a great deal of success. In fact, I had the
highest completion rate I have ever had in a developmental math section.
(We compute completion rates for each section every semester. The
completion rate is the percent of students who earn a grade of A, B, or C
out of the total number of students enrolled.)
I taught the class three days a week for about three hours per session
(with a couple breaks to let the students smoke or get coffee). The
students were advised before the semester started that the course would be
short and fast and that they must make every effort to attend every class
session.
At the end of the semester 17 of the 20 students earned an A, B, or C. Of
the three that did not, one was advised against taking the class because of
her low assessment scores and lack of available time to study, one missed a
number of classes and fell way behind, and the third ran away. (He was
from a local youth correctional facility and his guard didn't stay with him
during one of the breaks. He saw a chance to run and took it.)
Has anyone taught classes with a similar format? If so what are your
thoughts?
I'm going to start working on ways to improve these 5 week classes after
the first of the year and would love to hear about your experiences.
thanks!
Brad
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* Bradley H. Thurmond *
* Program Chair *
* Mathematics, Life and Physical Science *
* Ivy Tech State College - Region 5 *
* 1815 E. Morgan St. *
* Kokomo, IN 46901 *
* (765) 459-0561, Ext. 378 *
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