My institution is planning to change class scheduling from a traditional 3-sessions per week (MWF based 50 minute classes) into Block scheduling (TTh or MW based 75 minute classes). What could be the side effects if any or the advantages observed.
From the point of view of an instructor, MWF classes are easier to teach; however, one cannot cover as much material as MW or TTh classes. The latter allows for more material to be covered, more time to discuss the material with students and get feedback from them, and maybe time for short drop quizzes. The only disadvantage maybe the number of courses one can teach. In MWF, you can give 3 or 4 courses back to back, while for MW or TTh it is very difficult. Another point is that teaching activities are squeezed in 4 days instead of 5, making less time to other administrative, service, or research work which have to be done on Fridays. Another advantage for the switch is that Fridays can be dedicated for exam sessions and events (workshops, conferences, etc.) and make-up sessions when needed.
From the students perspective, it would allow them to commute less to the university, and it will free a day for studying or maybe working. However, we have to ask for their feedback.
Some colleagues have "Googled" the topic ("Course scheduling and academic performance" by Angela K. Dills, and ReyHernandez-Julian) suggests that MWF classes are better that MW or TTh (in the morning, but worst in the afternoon). The literature is divided about the topic and maybe this will be a topic we can write about at AUST!
Thank you Michel for your feedback, I already am in the process of studying all the variables affected by such a change including I read the paper you mentioned. There are multitude of variables that have to be covered before taking a full decision to switch.
Thank you Ghada for your responses. Actually I will run the research by data mining our files accumulated data fro the last 5 years. Hopefully many outcomes will result since I will use quantitative inferential research and later on in-depth interview with students.
My institution will introduce fully the Block Scheduling as an experiment for the spring 2014-2015. Meanwhile, I started a project to analyze previous years performance. I welcome any new ideas.
To Dr. Hejase: I am agree with your question and Owayjan as well.
Based on my previous experience when we change the study partially, we need to discuss it with the staffs and lecturers as well as the students. Then we try to find out the solution. Every university has their own culture. Social interaction is the key success factor. Get the transformation in education is better for getting improvement.
I agree with Hengky, all changes have to planned with full involvement of all stakeholders including students. I teach English and cultural studies courses and I feel that MWF scheduling is very appropriate.
As Hengky stated, every institution has its own culture. Ours used a democratic approach to the implementation of the new system, that is, all Deans and Chairpersons were asked for their opinions, but the decision was already taken. Fine as long as the implementation involves all.
Dear @Hussein, In my experience, the student prefer 50 minute class then 70 minute class, besides their concentration is better 50 minute class. They can do on the extra class activities.
Based on some readings the block time of 50 or 75 minutes are related to the topics. For example, English, Cultural studies and Language courses are best taught with 50 minutes block schedules while science, engineering and number related courses are best with 75 minutes block schedules.
Thank you for your responses. Science and other problem solving demanding topics/ courses always demand more time to close the cycle of teaching one idea at a time with the required examples and problem solving skills. So, researchers recommend more the longer periods or 70-75 minutes.