Tutors in higher education institutions often face the challenge of aligning learning outcomes, subject matters, instructional activities, and assessment practices. Drawing from a decade of teaching experience, the authors employ practical action research (PAR) to develop a common anchor for achieving alignment. Their project unfolds in three…

This paper proposes a model to re-balance assessment schedules through the quantification of students' workload. The initiative derives from the migration of a term-based to a semester-based calendar in a HE institution. The change required scrutiny of former and new assessment calendars which highlighted deficiencies in the administration of…

Academic writing has been a widely substantial course in higher education as it plays a vital role in cultivating students' academic writing skills. Drawing on qualitative descriptive study, this study aims to explore the fundamental requirements for academic writing to base the creation of an effective learning framework. Data consisted of…

The authors describe a collaborative group-testing strategy implemented and studied in undergraduate science classes. This project investigated how the assessment strategy relates to student performance and perceptions about collaboration and focused on two sections of an undergraduate biotechnology course taught in separate semesters.

The annual survey shows 75 institutions changing for 1983-84. The early semester calendar was the only type to gain, adding 49 institutions, but the overall distribution of calendar types has changed little. Most using traditional semesters are in California or New York. Only 8 percent use the 4-1-4 schedule. (MSE)

A national survey of colleges and universities gathered information on variation in academic calendars across schools and over time; how many days, weeks, or minutes are considered necessary for a semester or a unit of academic credit; and who sets those standards. Results suggest little standardization and a shrinking semester. (MSE)

The introduction of modular schemes and a semesterised academic year are amongst the most fundamental changes ever to occur in UK higher education. There is, however, a notable lack of pedagogic research evidence on the effects upon student learning of course frameworks and the temporal structure of large-scale learning units. In the absence of…

The conversion from quarter to semester plan can be beneficial academically and financially. Some costs borne by a college and its students potentially can be cut by one-third. The process has a potential for strengthening curricula because the conversion necessitates a thorough examination of each course. (MLW)

Since the 1960s, many colleges and universities have shortened their school years. Driven by debate about the quality of undergraduate education and about whether students are getting their money's worth in college, some institutions are reexamining their academic calendars. Practical considerations, including student attendance patterns, make…

The number of days in each quarter, semester, or trimester is compared for academic years 1968-69 and 1993-94, for 10 private and 10 public colleges and universities. Intersessions and January sessions are included. Total number of days per year have decreased in almost all these cases and now vary from 134 to 172. (MSE)

Uses Montessori's writings on higher education as basis for recommendations to reform secondary and higher education. Advocates stimulus lectures followed by an assimilative work period to teach diverse university students. Recommends tuition be increasingly assumed by students each year of their secondary or higher education. Advocates…

A trend toward adoption of the early-semester calendar, which runs from August to May with exams before Christmas vacation is discussed, along with other changes in college scheduling for curriculum development, increased efficiency, student job scheduling, student retention, and decreased paperwork. (MSE)

Looks at the trend toward the early-start semester calendar in American colleges and universities, and examines administrative, pedagogical, and fiscal considerations in making the change from a quarter system. Topics discussed include the impact on the curriculum and instruction, summer session, access, enrollment management, and institutional…