Introduction to Condensed Learning
A major shift in learning is underway at some of South Florida’s universities. Schools such as Nova Southeastern University in Davie and St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens are heralding condensed learning, offering, for example, eight-week instead of the traditional 16-week courses.
Benefits of Condensed Learning
Some students appreciate the change, while others find it challenging to manage their time. Kaylyn Lee, an NSU sophomore with a double major in psychology and criminal justice, is taking the online half-term CRJU 2000 – Constitutional Issues for her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice. “I’d say it cuts your stress time down in half because you only have eight weeks to worry about versus 16 weeks,” Lee said.
Students from Nova Southeastern University study prior to finals week in the Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center in Davie, Florida. (Marlee Card/Nova Southeastern University)
Implementation of Condensed Learning
At NSU, half-term courses are eight weeks, which can be taken in person or online, depending on what the course description offers. Michael McCall, career and academic success coach for the Center of Academic and Professional Success, said NSU implemented half-term courses to help undergraduate students keep up with their degree completion. “For a lot of our students in the natural sciences, things like biology, marine biology and chemistry — those types of majors usually require very high math requirements, and sometimes students need to catch up on their math to maintain their degree of progress,” McCall said. “So to satisfy that need, the math department offers a lot of half-term courses in lower-level math. So things like college algebra, pre-calculus, trigonometry, there are half-term versions of those courses, so that way students can do like two math classes in one semester.”
Other Institutions Offering Condensed Learning
At St. Thomas University, the organizational leadership program offers four-week and eight-week courses. Patricia Bloodworth, assistant professor in the Biscayne College for Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the organizational leadership program director for St. Thomas, said the student population has a faster option to earn degrees. “I think it’s great for the students, because a large portion of our student population is trying to get their degrees and finish quickly,” Bloodworth said.
Challenges of Condensed Learning
The change does have its challenges. Bloodworth said students need to stay on top of the term courses because of their accelerated pace. Gerasim Borodin, senior double-major in international business and sports administration at St. Thomas, said the accelerated pace requires sophisticated time management. However, he has applied those skills and has been able to make time for his other activities. “For me, as an athlete in the school, [term courses] just gave me more freedom,” Borodin said. “More time to focus on my other classes or to focus on my athletic achievements.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, condensed learning is a new trend in education that is being adopted by several universities in South Florida. This approach offers students the opportunity to complete their courses in a shorter period, which can be beneficial for those who want to finish their degrees quickly. However, it also requires students to have good time management skills to keep up with the accelerated pace.
FAQs
Q: What is condensed learning?
A: Condensed learning refers to the approach of offering courses in a shorter period, such as eight-week or four-week courses, instead of the traditional 16-week courses.
Q: Which universities in South Florida are offering condensed learning?
A: Nova Southeastern University and St. Thomas University are two institutions that are offering condensed learning.
Q: What are the benefits of condensed learning?
A: The benefits of condensed learning include reduced stress time, faster completion of degrees, and more flexibility in scheduling.
Q: What are the challenges of condensed learning?
A: The challenges of condensed learning include the need for sophisticated time management skills and the accelerated pace of the courses.
Q: Is condensed learning suitable for all students?
A: Condensed learning may not be suitable for all students, as it requires good time management skills and the ability to keep up with the accelerated pace. However, it can be beneficial for students who want to finish their degrees quickly and have the necessary skills to succeed in this type of learning environment.
