Colleges are experimenting with their schedules these days. Although gasoline prices are low right now, the recent scare prompted some schools to allow students to schedule their classes on fewer days per week. Many report great success with a four-day schedule, but taking it another major step could be problematic.
As it turns out, most students taking advantage of this offering could not stomach 11-plus hours in the classroom. Of the 214 students enrolled in “Full Time Friday,” 102 enrolled in only one course. Only 11 students enrolled in the maximum of four courses. Though the college has not collected data to show the academic success of these students, it did report that 14 students dropped out of all their condensed courses, whether they were taking the minimum of one or the maximum of four. The lengthy courses were, apparently, more than some could handle.
“There was a misperception among some students that there was nothing special about these courses other than that they were being offered once a week,” said Bruce Scism, vice president of academic affairs at Volunteer State. “Some thought the classes would be easier because they met less often.”
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