Abstract
Spartanburg Methodist College: Evaluation of Classroom Space Efficiency
In 2019, Spartanburg Methodist College converted from a two-year to a four-year institution. As the college grows, more classrooms are needed to satisfy the course requirements for students. A research study was conducted to answer the following question: What is the best option to implement additional class times/locations for traditional undergraduate students for both student and faculty.
Through out the semester, the student researchers analyzed various types of data address the problems of space and later class time allocation opportunities. An evaluation of the last eight semesters class location and times were conducted to identify any gaps in times and to verify space distribution. The analysis that was performed to find additional times and locations that classrooms would be available.
Upon conclusion, it was determined that class times and locations were not being used efficiently. The data that was collected was divided into different sections. These sections being which are the best times for working students, online classes, in-person retention, and class size. According to the data gathered, students have time in the afternoons for classes, but due to their responsibilities and schedules, online classed were preferred.
Overall, online classes appear to be the best option for students. From the faculty’s point of view, they feel comfortable teaching online courses. A greater percentage of faculty prefer teaching in-person classes. Research that was conducted on class size indicated that smaller classes lead to better retention and a more comfortable environment for participation. Possible solutions were also investigated such as weekend classes, later class options, more online courses, and the possibility of adding a new building.
After research was conducted it was found that adding a new building or parking spaces will require a great amount of money. Later classes could be a problem for students that have other responsibilities such as work, sports, clubs, or family. Faculty also expressed a concern for later classes, they feel that the population served would not benefit from this option.
Upon conclusion of the research, it was found that online classes would be the best option for adding more courses. Online classes were found as the best option for student athletes and working students according to schedule availability. Spartanburg Methodist College can address the problems and space and later class times opportunities by providing more online classes.
Included in
BM-02 Spartanburg Methodist College: Evaluation of Classroom Space Efficiency
Spartanburg Methodist College: Evaluation of Classroom Space Efficiency
In 2019, Spartanburg Methodist College converted from a two-year to a four-year institution. As the college grows, more classrooms are needed to satisfy the course requirements for students. A research study was conducted to answer the following question: What is the best option to implement additional class times/locations for traditional undergraduate students for both student and faculty.
Through out the semester, the student researchers analyzed various types of data address the problems of space and later class time allocation opportunities. An evaluation of the last eight semesters class location and times were conducted to identify any gaps in times and to verify space distribution. The analysis that was performed to find additional times and locations that classrooms would be available.
Upon conclusion, it was determined that class times and locations were not being used efficiently. The data that was collected was divided into different sections. These sections being which are the best times for working students, online classes, in-person retention, and class size. According to the data gathered, students have time in the afternoons for classes, but due to their responsibilities and schedules, online classed were preferred.
Overall, online classes appear to be the best option for students. From the faculty’s point of view, they feel comfortable teaching online courses. A greater percentage of faculty prefer teaching in-person classes. Research that was conducted on class size indicated that smaller classes lead to better retention and a more comfortable environment for participation. Possible solutions were also investigated such as weekend classes, later class options, more online courses, and the possibility of adding a new building.
After research was conducted it was found that adding a new building or parking spaces will require a great amount of money. Later classes could be a problem for students that have other responsibilities such as work, sports, clubs, or family. Faculty also expressed a concern for later classes, they feel that the population served would not benefit from this option.
Upon conclusion of the research, it was found that online classes would be the best option for adding more courses. Online classes were found as the best option for student athletes and working students according to schedule availability. Spartanburg Methodist College can address the problems and space and later class times opportunities by providing more online classes.