| Abstract: |
Summer Session is an innovative program implemented by some universities in order to improve utilization of their facilities and to enable students to accelerate progress towards their degrees. A quantitative study has been undertaken at the University of Wollongong with the objective of obtaining information regarding the background of the students undertaking Summer Session, their reasons for enroling and their opinions regarding this program. All students enroled in Summer Session in the Department of Management in the Faculty of Commerce were surveyed over a three-year period (1993/1994, 1994/1995 and 1995/1996). A total of 613 completed questionnaires were returned. In summary, students appear to consider Summer Session to be a success, with 82% of continuing students planning to undertake further Summer Session study. The Commerce Faculty has offered a relatively large number of Summer Session subjects over this period and as a result has attracted students from other Faculties, with almost 20% of the students undertaking Department of Management Summer Session subjects being from outside the Commerce Faculty. Students liked the smaller group size (53%), the faster pace (44%), the easier access to lecturers and tutors (33%) and the more casual nature of classes (31%). By far the most frequently cited dislike was the limited subject choice (63%), with the second most common dislike, faster pace, given by 30% of students. No other dislike was given by more than 4% of students. A wide range of reasons was given for undertaking Summer Session; however, 64% of students stated that their motivation was to finish their degree early. Other reasons included failure of this subject previously, to decrease next semester's load and failure of another subject. Summer Session is in demand from students. They are satisfied with most aspects of the program, except the limited range of subjects offered. Consideration should therefore be given by the university to increase the number of subjects offered in Summer Session. |
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