Subject: RE: one day per week classes
From: Lawrence T. Gurley (lgurley@merritt.edu)
Date: Wed Sep 06 2000 - 18:07:49 EDT
I also know of no studies on this issue. My best guess is that Nancy is
correct, that students learn and retain material better in classes that
meet more frequently for shorter periods. However, our students also have
other issues to deal with: about 80% of our students are part-time, with
jobs and/or families, so once-a-week evening classes are often the only
classes that can fit into the rest of their lives.
Larry
At 10:42 AM 9/6/00 -0400, <nsattler@terra.cc.oh.us>wrote:
>Todd,
>I have not read any studies on one day a week mathematics classes but have
>taught precalc one day a week. I would not recommend it to anyone. It is
>very difficult for the student to absorb material after the first hour or
>two of class. Since mathematics is a building process, the student must
>have time to absorb what he/she has learned before moving on to the next
>concept.
>
>When I taught, I was lucky enough to have a group of really good students.
>We took frequent breaks (every hour) and I ran the class very informally
>(snacks were definitely allowed!)
>
>I know that from a student point of view one day/night a week classes are
>great on driving time, etc., but I my humble opinion, the learning
>experience is much, much better if the class time is spread out.
>
>Nancy
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Todd Timmons [mailto:ttimmons@systema.westark.edu]
>Sent: Tuesday, September 05, 2000 12:30 PM
>To: mathedcc@archives.math.utk.edu
>Subject: one day per week classes
>
>
>Does anyone know of any research on mathematics courses that
>meet one day per week instead of the traditional 2 or 3? In
>particular, I am talking about a three hour college algebra course
>that meets for 3 hours one time per week for a semester. I am
>interested if anyone had experience with this format, and especially
>if any studies have been made.
>
>Thanks
>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
> Todd Timmons
> Westark College
> 5210 Grand Ave.
> Box 3649
> Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649
> 501-788-7630
> ttimmons@systema.westark.edu
>
>++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
>
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Lawrence T. Gurley, Professor
Mathematics and Computer Information Systems
Merritt College, Oakland, CA 94619
(510) 436-2531
lgurley@merritt.edu, lgurley@pacbell.net
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