Return-Path: <nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id e7LLRW811313; Mon, 21 Aug 2000 17:27:32 -0400 (EDT) Date: Mon, 21 Aug 2000 17:27:32 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: <1e.9be3da4.26d2f7df@aol.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: KUTHFAM@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-workplace@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-WORKPLACE:3681] Re: benefits of differing class schedules - question X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: AOL 5.0 for Windows sub 119 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Status: O Content-Length: 1727 Lines: 35 In a message dated 8/21/00 2:03:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time, djt9u@virginia.edu writes: << My question is, has there been any research on the comparative benefits of once a week vs. twice a week sessions, or on optimal learning conditions in adult education? I'm thinking about such issues as learning reinforcement, attention span, retention, optimal learning conditions... >> I don't have any research to support benefits, but I do have experience. I work in a minimum/medium security county jail, where most of the offenses are drug/alcohol related, and 2 drug and alcohol recovery programs. Each class meets twice a week for 2 hours per session. I find even the 2 hours is too long for my students to work. They need frequent breaks (restroom, smoking) and they have short attention spans, which I'm sure could be related to their drug/alcohol use. In additions, because of all the circumstances going on in their lives (legal, medical, family), my students are frequently absent. I find that several frequent sessions are beneficial. The student stays in contact with me, and remembers s/he has work to focus on and complete. I also make sure I stay in touch with the student and know what work s/he is doing and completing. Even completing one short assignments is a positive effect. My students are given homework, which they usually do. I tell them studying is like athletic training. If you lift weights, run, swim, bicycle once every month or so, all you get is sore. If you do it once a week, you stay the same, but don't get any better. If you study/exercises even a little bit every day, you make progress. Millie Kuth Hamilton City ABLE Hamilton OH 45011 KKUTHFAM@aol.com
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