teaching at the speed of light: tips on teaching an intensive semester hirotoshi takeda...
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Teaching at the Speed of Light: Tips on Teaching an Intensive Semester
Hirotoshi Takeda ([email protected])Computer Information Systems, Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA 30302-4015, USA CREPA, Centre de Recherche en Management & Organisation
Université Paris DauphineParis, 75775, France
ISECON 2006 Takeda
Overview
l Backgroundl Advantages of Intensive Semesterl Disadvantages of Intensive Semesterl Anecdotesl Tipsl Discussionl Conclusion
3ISECON 2006 Takeda
Intensive Classes
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Time constraints– Employment
l Offerings– Night-time Classes
l Formats– ½ time– 3 weeks– 2 weeks
4ISECON 2006 Takeda
Intensive Classes
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Introductory IS Class– Target: All Majors in Business School– Urban SE US Public University– 2 ½ hours of instuction/day– Every weekday– Meet for Three Weeks– Use of WebCT for outside class
communication– 31 students
5ISECON 2006 Takeda
Advantages
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Short Term Gains– Recall (Daniel, 2000, Scott,
1994, 2004, Seamon, 2004)l Continuous Learning
– Meet Daily
6ISECON 2006 Takeda
Advantages
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Rapport Building– Student with Instructor– Student with Student
l Concentration– Student is Typically Taking One
Class
7ISECON 2006 Takeda
Disadvantages
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Long Term Memory Loss– Retention Loss (Daniel 2000,
Seamon, 2004)– Comprehensive Exams
l Academic Integrity– Traditional Semester is better
(Daniel 2000, Hildreth & Sawyer, 2001)
– Scheduling is Out of Control of Instructors
8ISECON 2006 Takeda
Disadvantages
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Accreditation Standards– Require Intensive and Regular
class to be the samel Drop Date Approach
– Quicker than in Regular Semester
9ISECON 2006 Takeda
Disadvantages
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Pressure on Students– Seen as an opportunity to get
rid of a requirement(s)– Some take Multiple Courses– Typical class
•3 units•Requires (3 hours X number of
Units) of outside study time (9 in this case)
• Intensive Semester -> 9 hours of outside study per day
•9 (study) + 2.5 (class) = 11.5 hours
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
Disadvantages
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Pressure on Instructor– Prep is for One Week of
Instruction per Day– Syllabus must be tightly
scheduled– Feedback needs to Arrive more
Timely
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
Anecdotes
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Academic Dishonesty– Database Assignment saw 5
cases of separate cheating– Total cases of cheating: 6
l Instructor Grading more intense than Prep Time
l Rate of Email: One every five minutes
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
TipsAdvantages of Int. Sem
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Build on Advantages of an Intense Semester– Student retention– Rapport– Student Focus
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
TipsStudent Pressure
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Student Pressure– Orient Students
•Discourage Multiple Classes•vs. Typical Semester
• 2.5 hours of lecture for One, 3-unit Course
• Meeting 5 times for 2.5 hour lecture• Like taking 15 units of classes• 12 units is full time
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
TipsStudent Pressure
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
– Time Intense Nature of Computing Assignments• Quick Learning Curve• Access Database Project
– Increased Pressure to Copy Computer Generated Files
– Use of Weekends• Major Assignments• Group Projects• Test Studying
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
TipsInstructor Pressure
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Pressure on Instructor– Accreditation Standards
•Assignments•Test•Course Load
– Syllabus •Scheduling•Updates
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
TipsInstructor Pressure
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
– Non-Teaching Work•Research•Service
– Online Tools•Use of WebCT or Blackboard
•Discussion Groups•Email
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
TipsInstructor Pressure
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
– Feedback•Check email frequently•Assignment Due Times•Use Discussion Boards
– Grading•Turn Around Quickly
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
TipsInstructor Pressure
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
– Instructor Characteristics•Same as in Regular Semester (Scott, 1993, 2004)• Enthusiasm• Knowledge of Material• Experience with Material• Willingness to Learn from
Students• Willingness to Consult
Students
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
TipsInstructor Pressure
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
– Drop Date Approach•Assessments Before Drop Date• Tests• Assignments
•Give Feedback in Time to Make Drop Decision
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
DiscussionFuture
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Survey of Other Instructorsl Survey of Studentsl Empirical Study
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
Conclusion
Background
Advantages of Intensive Semester
Disadvantages of Intensive Semester
Anecdotes
Tips
Discussion
Conclusion
l Intensive Semester Isn’t Going Away
l Advantagesl Disadvantagesl Scheduling
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ISECON 2006 Takeda
Questions
l I would like to thank Sara Crabtree and Ricardo Checchi for input of their experiences for this research and the reviewers for their input.