Local forces want to change the scheduling of classes at our
regional/comprehensive institution. (Physics offers a B.S. and M.S., but no
Ph.D.) Lecture classes currently meet in 50 min periods. The proposed
schedule would lengthen the class period to 75 min and reduce the number of
meetings per week to two (for a 3 hr. course.) My gut reaction is that
especially for serious intro.-level physics courses, shorter, more frequent
class meetings are better for student learning than fewer, longer meetings.
Our "Calendar Committee" says, "There is no evidence [published research] to
support the position that longer or shorter time periods are better for
student learning. We also could not find evidence that the [total] number
of minutes in a semester is directly related to student success." Are they
correct? Any references, especially to physics teaching, would be greatly
appreciated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Stanley Hirschi voice: 517-774-3321
Professor and Chair FAX: 517-774-2697
Department of Physics Email: hirschi@dune.phy.cmich.edu
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859