A new and effective, four-semester, junior-senior approach for the chemistry seminar curriculum has recently been adopted by several colleges and universities. The approach is expected to help students in developing their skills and efficiency.

A 2-semester introductory course sequence in any discipline may be justified on the basis that there is too much material to cover in 1 semester and that more in-depth consideration of material will provide students with a better foundation from which to approach subsequent courses. This study took advantage of a natural situation to compare…

An analysis and evaluation of the 4-1-4 calendar and interim term curriculum at three 4-1-4 institutions (and two non 4-1-4 colleges) was conducted. The relationship between the adoption of 4-1-4 and changes in curricular, instructional, and administrative design and operation of these institutions was examined. Analysis indicates that the 4-1-4…

The study explored characteristics of the curriculum practice of higher education faculty in the context of time-compressed (e.g., 5-6 weeks) courses as compared with regular term (15-16 weeks) courses. The researchers used open-ended questions on a web-based survey at a large doctoral-extensive university in a Midwestern state in the United…

This article describes a research project carried out in a secondary school that switched from a traditional to full-credit semester system. (PB)

The articles reviewed in this paper are a supplement to a previous publication on college and university calendars. This new data tends to strongly reinforce the crucial point made in the previous study that indicated that college and university administrators have advocated one system, then another, without adequate empirical follow-up of the…

History of the academic calendar. (HS)

The author reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the quarter system and summarizes the conclusions of recent studies comparing the semester system to the quarter system. (JW)

An experimental calendar was adopted at Harcum Junior College (Pennsylvania) for 1969-70. Under this plan, the first semester ended before Christmas; a 4-week recess followed. The length of class periods was extended from 50 to 60 minutes. A poll of student, faculty, and administrative opinion showed that a majority favored the new calendar.…

This document reports the results of a survey conducted to determine (1) the types of academic calendars being used in colleges and universities in the U.S.: and (2) the changes taking place. Six types of calendars are defined: the traditional semester calendar; the trimester calendar; the 4-1-4 calendar; and other calendars. The survey was very…

Increasing numbers of students are attracted to study abroad programs during the January term of the 4-1-4. (HS)

Surveyed a sampling of faculty members at a United Kingdom university about the change to a semester system and modular courses. Found widespread disapproval of the way these changes were imposed. (EV)

Interim term calendar is an innovation in calendar and curriculum designed to improve higher education. The interim term is a concentrated period of study that is isolated from or sandwiched between the regular semesters of the academic year. (Author/PG)