Four Credit Hour Model

EXAMPLE SCHOOLS

ENGAGED LEARNING

One intention behind the four-credit initiative is to increase the implementation of engaged learning practices across the curriculum. The following are some resources on engaged learning and engaged learning course design.

https://teaching.utk.edu/teaching-resources/active-learning/

https://teaching.cornell.edu/teaching-resources/active-collaborative-learning/active-learning

https://teaching.berkeley.edu/active-learning-designs

https://cetr.northeastern.edu/course-syllabus-design-for-community-engaged-courses/

https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Office-of-Community-Engaged-Learning-CELO/SAMPLE_SYLLABI_COMBINED.pdf

MINI-GRANTS

We are fortunate to have some resources available to us through the EngageKY Grant to support faculty interested in redesigning courses to emphasize active and engaged learning. Twenty mini-grants of $500 each are available to be allocated by June 1. Those interested should fill out the brief application and submit them to the Provost’s Office by May 15th.

FAQs

Will this increase the number of students I teach?

The total number of students should not increase, though the number of students per course should see some increase. Students will be compressed into three courses rather than spread out over four courses in the typical teaching load.

Will this negatively affect course transferability?

It should not. Currently KWC accepts transfer from four-credit colleges. The course equivalency remains the same, and the full four credits are transferred in. Transferring out works similarly. The course equivalency is accepted regardless of whether the course is three or four credits.

Will this increase the credit size of majors?

Hopefully not. Majors should be overhauled using prepared guidelines. We are, in fact, hoping that most majors will be able to reduce total credit requirements.

How will this affect faculty course loads?

Course loads will typically be reduced from four to three classes per term.

How will this affect student course loads?

Course loads for students will typically be reduced from five to four courses.