Re: 4-Hour Long Evening Classes-- How to Structure?

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On 12/31/08, rw wrote:
> I am going to be teaching a 4-hour, once-a-week course for
> 7 weeks. Any tips on teaching a 4-hour course? The longest
> I've had previously has been a 1.5 hour course. Students
> seem restless enough after 1.5 hours!
>
> The population are adults working full time taking the
> course from 6-10pm.
>
> The topic is literature and writing based.

I am currently teaching a similar format course, but different
subject.

For working adults you probably want to minimize use of
straight lecture. Consider opening the class with discussion
of the assigned reading led by one or two preassigned members
of the class. Ask the discussion leaders to come to class with
provocative questions based on the reading.

Use class activities such as analyzing studies, group
discussions, reflective writing or content analysis...be creative.

In my class I can break the lecture part of the course into
short PowerPoints. I then have discussion or give real
examples in between. I provide handouts for PowerPoints...much
appreciated by adults.

If you assign group projects, you can allow time for groups to
work or plan their project. A project can be a case study,
book report, topic presentation, etc.

Guest speakers can be a very nice break from the ordinary. I
had one instructor in my doctoral program who had a guest
speaker almost every week...very interesting and it broke up
the class nicely.

If refreshments are not readily available, I suggest you bring
something or ask people to take turns. Working adults
appreciate it more than you might think. Plan a one or two
generous breaks. Also consider asking the class if they would
like shorter breaks in return for leaving early.

Literature is not my field, so you will have to adjust
accordingly.

Good luck!

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