Faculty and administrators often believe that abbreviated courses are less effective than the same courses taught during a full semester. This study examined student academic performance and course evaluations for identical courses taught during abbreviated summer sessions or during regular semester sessions. Contrary to popular convention, results demonstrated that overall academic performance was similar in summer and full-semester courses. In addition, instructor ratings were comparable for regular semester and summer session courses, with summer courses rated as somewhat more challenging. Results provide empirical evidence that negative beliefs concerning abbreviated courses may be unfounded.
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