Five or Ten Week Courses
In the past, most online institutions offer only five-week courses. Currently, most of these courses are also offered in ten-week duration with similar course objectives. Does the students' learning benefit change based on whether the course is for five or ten weeks?
Dr. Francis,
Good question. This really goes back to learning styles. There are students who thrive in a five week course as this makes them focus on each and every task, but some students will become overwhelmed with the amount of concentration that will be needed.
Shelly Crider
I agree that it definitely comes down to the learner's personal style. Students learn at all different paces - some more quickly than others. There were certain courses that I think are particularly well-suited for longer durations (ie. many students struggled with calculations).
How does one determine how long the course should be? Is it based on school policies?
Brenda,
this is based on the school policies.
Shelly Crider
We have our devoloped our classes into 3 week courses. And it works out pretty well, except its a bit of a crunch during the holidays.
Steven,
There are good things to be said with 3 week courses and not so good.....you have to have the right student to do these short time frames, but retention does seem to last!
Shelly Crider
It depends on the time management skill of the student. some students do not do well in 5 weeks classes because they get overwhelmed with the intensity and amount of information shared within this short time frame.
I agree. It depends on the student(s) learning styles, topics,amount of information and content of the course. If the students are familiar with the topics, they can understand the topics and complete the course comfortably in five weeks. If the course and its topics are new, the student(s) may need a little bit more time. In such cases, a ten week course may be more advantageous.
Sitara
Elodie,
One thing I mention every "day one" in my classes.....time management! I suggest to students to keep a calendar close by to see what is due.
Shelly Crider
Nagalakshmi ,
This also depends on how many classes a student can take in a five vs ten week term.
Shelly Crider
I believe it all depends on the student and their use of time management. I have taught courses in both formats at different universities and have found that students have problems in both. When discussing the issue with the student, it really comes down to time management and not the five week versus ten week model. Students who have issues with time management in a five week course tend to have similar time management issues in a ten week course.
Craig
Craig,
Oh so true! Some students can wiz through five week courses where others are just overwhelmed.
Shelly Crider
