Quick Guide: Getting Started with Shorter Term Courses

Quick Guide: Getting Started with Shorter Term Courses

Quick Guide: Transitioning to Shortened Terms

Understanding the Shift

Moving to shorter terms means doubling the pace of instruction while maintaining the same learning outcomes. Students will meet more frequently each week, and content delivery becomes more concentrated.

Step 1: Audit Your Current Course

Start by reviewing your existing syllabus:

  • Identify core learning objectives that must remain
  • Determine which activities are essential versus supplementary
  • Calculate your current contact hours
  • Note any state or accreditation requirements for contact hours

Step 2: Redesign Your Schedule

Typical conversion: A course that meets 3 hours/week for 16 weeks will now meet 6 hours/week for 8 weeks.

Consider these scheduling options:

  • Two longer class sessions per week (3 hours each)
  • Three moderate sessions per week (2 hours each)
  • Four shorter sessions per week (1.5 hours each)

Step 3: Streamline Your Content

  • Combine related topics into single lessons
  • Move lower-priority content to optional readings or resources
  • Focus on application over exhaustive coverage
  • Reduce redundancy in assignments and assessments

Step 4: Adjust Assignment Load

  • Reduce the number of assignments, but keep rigor intact
  • Combine smaller assignments into fewer comprehensive ones
  • Build in brief "catch-up" periods after major assessments
  • Consider alternatives to lengthy research papers (annotated bibliographies, presentations, case studies)

Step 5: Rethink Pacing

  • Introduce key concepts earlier in the term
  • Schedule major assessments at weeks 3 and 6 rather than weeks 7 and 14 (for example)
  • Plan for quicker feedback turnaround (24-48 hours when possible)
  • Build flexibility for the inevitable compressed feeling of weeks 4-5

Step 6: Communicate Expectations Clearly

  • Be explicit in your syllabus about the accelerated pace
  • Emphasize that missing even one class equals missing two weeks in a traditional term
  • Provide a detailed week-by-week schedule from day one
  • Consider a "readiness checklist" for students to self-assess

Step 7: Leverage Active Learning

  • Flip content delivery when possible (videos, readings before class)
  • Use class time for discussion, problem-solving, and application
  • Incorporate frequent low-stakes checks for understanding
  • Design activities that serve double duty (learning and assessment)

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Don't just compress everything proportionally but be strategic about cuts
  • Don't underestimate how quickly students fall behind in this format
  • Don't schedule major assessments too close together

Benefits to Emphasize

When discussing the change with students:

  • Increased focus and momentum can improve completion rates
  • Students can take more courses per year without summer overload
  • Flexibility for students balancing work and family
  • Earlier identification of students who need support

First-Time Teaching in a Shortened Term Format?

  • Build in more buffer time than you think you need
  • Have backup plans for when discussions run long or short
  • Check in with students frequently about pace
  • Don't try to redesign everything at once; start with one course

The key to successful shortened terms is intentionality. Every element of your course should earn its place in the limited time you have together.

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