I teach a few GIS courses (GEOG 215, 315, 415 and GISC 403) at Victoria University of Wellington and at the start or just before the start of term, I am normally asked a particular question by one or two students.
Sometimes students ask if they should do the course if they can't attend particular weeks while others feel they cannot attend one or two days each week.
Unfortunately, I can't answer this question for you.
Research has shown that students who attend all the lectures are more likely to do well in the course (Gilbert 2016 in process).
Not attending is a disadvantage. You will find it harder to follow the course content, new terms and concepts.
However, you are best placed to know if you can study independently, read the course literature and work ahead consistently. For some students, their motivation to work independently changes from week to week (and can often start out very enthusiastic but deadlines and non-university related events can impact your motivation).
Many students like knowing the course lecture slides are available on blackboard - but frequently they do not consult them. The slides are not designed to support independent learning - they are designed as an aid to classroom work.
Can you alternate between the other course (or other demands on your time) and this course? So you don't miss a lot of course content for a single course?
Specific courses
GEOG 215: Lectures in this course run in weeks 1-8, three times a week. So clashes may only occur in the first 8 weeks of term. Think about prioritizing this course where possible. Labs are work ahead so you can complete these in your own time - but you will need access to the university labs as the software is only available on campus. Working ahead in the labs will be very important and labs run from week 2 to week 12.
GEOG 315: Lectures in this course are twice a week for the full 12 weeks of term. The majority of the course is assessed via a group project and you are given time to work in groups during lecture time. If you cannot make the lecture slots, this course will not be possible to undertake.
GEOG 415: Lectures in this course run in weeks 1-8, three times a week. So clashes may only occur in the first 8 weeks of term. Think about prioritizing this course where possible. Labs are work ahead so you can complete these in your own time and a version of the software will be made available to you. Working ahead will be very important and labs run from week 2-12.
GISC 403: This course is run in conjunction with the University of Canterbury and AUT. Attendance is expected at both the lecture and laboratory session. If you cannot attend, you need to reconsider doing this course.
I am unable to attend lectures on one or two days for the GIS course you teach - should I still do the course?
Sometimes students ask if they should do the course if they can't attend particular weeks while others feel they cannot attend one or two days each week.
Unfortunately, I can't answer this question for you.
Research has shown that students who attend all the lectures are more likely to do well in the course (Gilbert 2016 in process).
Not attending is a disadvantage. You will find it harder to follow the course content, new terms and concepts.
However, you are best placed to know if you can study independently, read the course literature and work ahead consistently. For some students, their motivation to work independently changes from week to week (and can often start out very enthusiastic but deadlines and non-university related events can impact your motivation).
Many students like knowing the course lecture slides are available on blackboard - but frequently they do not consult them. The slides are not designed to support independent learning - they are designed as an aid to classroom work.
Can you alternate between the other course (or other demands on your time) and this course? So you don't miss a lot of course content for a single course?
Specific courses
GEOG 215: Lectures in this course run in weeks 1-8, three times a week. So clashes may only occur in the first 8 weeks of term. Think about prioritizing this course where possible. Labs are work ahead so you can complete these in your own time - but you will need access to the university labs as the software is only available on campus. Working ahead in the labs will be very important and labs run from week 2 to week 12.
GEOG 315: Lectures in this course are twice a week for the full 12 weeks of term. The majority of the course is assessed via a group project and you are given time to work in groups during lecture time. If you cannot make the lecture slots, this course will not be possible to undertake.
GEOG 415: Lectures in this course run in weeks 1-8, three times a week. So clashes may only occur in the first 8 weeks of term. Think about prioritizing this course where possible. Labs are work ahead so you can complete these in your own time and a version of the software will be made available to you. Working ahead will be very important and labs run from week 2-12.
GISC 403: This course is run in conjunction with the University of Canterbury and AUT. Attendance is expected at both the lecture and laboratory session. If you cannot attend, you need to reconsider doing this course.
