Teaching at the Speed of Light: Tips on Teaching an Intensive Semester Hirotoshi Takeda Computer Information Systems, Georgia State University Atlanta, GA , USA CREPA, Centre de Recherche en Management & Organisation Université Paris Dauphine Paris, 75775, France

ISECON 2006 Takeda Overview l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantages of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion

ISECON 2006 Takeda 3 Intensive Classes l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvanta ges of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion l Time constraints –Employment l Offerings –Night-time Classes l Formats –½ time –3 weeks –2 weeks

ISECON 2006 Takeda 4 Intensive Classes l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvanta ges of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l 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

ISECON 2006 Takeda 5 Advantages l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion l Short Term Gains –Recall (Daniel, 2000, Scott, 1994, 2004, Seamon, 2004) l Continuous Learning –Meet Daily

ISECON 2006 Takeda 6 Advantages l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion l Rapport Building –Student with Instructor –Student with Student l Concentration –Student is Typically Taking One Class

ISECON 2006 Takeda 7 Disadvantages l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l 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

ISECON 2006 Takeda 8 Disadvantages l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion l Accreditation Standards –Require Intensive and Regular class to be the same l Drop Date Approach –Quicker than in Regular Semester

ISECON 2006 Takeda 9 Disadvantages l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l 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) (class) = 11.5 hours

ISECON 2006 Takeda 10 Disadvantages l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l 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

ISECON 2006 Takeda 11 Anecdotes l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l 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 One every five minutes

ISECON 2006 Takeda 12 Tips Advantages of Int. Sem l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion l Build on Advantages of an Intense Semester –Student retention –Rapport –Student Focus

ISECON 2006 Takeda 13 Tips Student Pressure l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l 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

ISECON 2006 Takeda 14 Tips Student Pressure l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l 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

ISECON 2006 Takeda 15 Tips Instructor Pressure l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion l Pressure on Instructor –Accreditation Standards Assignments Test Course Load –Syllabus Scheduling Updates

ISECON 2006 Takeda 16 Tips Instructor Pressure l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion –Non-Teaching Work Research Service –Online Tools Use of WebCT or Blackboard Discussion Groups

ISECON 2006 Takeda 17 Tips Instructor Pressure l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion –Feedback Check frequently Assignment Due Times Use Discussion Boards –Grading Turn Around Quickly

ISECON 2006 Takeda 18 Tips Instructor Pressure l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l 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

ISECON 2006 Takeda 19 Tips Instructor Pressure l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion –Drop Date Approach Assessments Before Drop Date Tests Assignments Give Feedback in Time to Make Drop Decision

ISECON 2006 Takeda 20 Discussion Future l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion l Survey of Other Instructors l Survey of Students l Empirical Study

ISECON 2006 Takeda 21 Conclusion l Background l Advantages of Intensive Semester l Disadvantag es of Intensive Semester l Anecdotes l Tips l Discussion l Conclusion l Intensive Semester Isn’t Going Away l Advantages l Disadvantages l Scheduling

ISECON 2006 Takeda 22 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.