Is the current and traditional model of the academic schedule/semester still appropriate. Should shorter and more intense sessions (like offered in summers) a more efficient model?
I believe it is time to revisit schedules. In my area, many of the institutions now operate classes on a four-day work week (Monday through Thursday). Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays and Tuesdays and Thursdays. The four-day work week adds up to a variety of cost savings -- building heating/cooling and such.
One of the institutions I worked for years ago used a nine-week semester with five semesters per year. Individual classes met for a total of four hours once per week. Students were limited to taking three courses concurrently every nine weeks. Motivated students could progress quickly through a program.
Yes, I think it is well past time to examine the academic semester. I also would hope to see the academic calendar revised and the length of the semester reduced.
Yes, I also think it is well past time to examine the academic semester. I also would hope to see the academic calendar revised and the length of the semester reduced.