Complete the FASFAMany Tennessee community colleges are increasing the number of courses offered in shorter 7-week terms. Accelerated 7-week courses may allow students to focus on fewer courses at a time, improving student motivation and momentum. Additionally, these courses provide the flexibility of more entry and exit points, which may help students accommodate their external commitments and progress toward a degree.
 
TBR research about accelerated courses finds that:
  • Student outcomes in 7-week courses are generally positive but vary by student group and course.
  • Students, faculty, and staff identify tradeoffs between 7-week and traditional courses, noting that while 7-week courses can boost student motivation, the fast pace can be difficult to manage. 
  • Students highlight their need for clear, accessible information about 7-week course options and expectations.

Research Details 

Research about Accelerated Courses 

  • Policy Brief #1: Accelerated Courses at Tennessee Community Colleges (February 2024)

    • Policy Brief #1 uses administrative data to present descriptive analyses that explore enrollment and student success in 7-week courses at Tennessee's community colleges.
       

  • Policy Brief #2: Course Length and Student Success: Quantitative Analysis of 7-Week Courses (June 2024)

    • Policy Brief #2 uses administrative data and more advanced statistical methods to estimate relationships between 7-week courses and student outcomes, including course grades, GPA, credit attainment, and persistence.
       

  • Policy Brief #3: Students, Faculty, and Staff Experiences with 7-Week Courses (Coming October 2024)

    • Policy Brief #3 uses interview and survey data to understand how students perceive courses of different lengths, how instructors adapt their practices and course design to accommodate the 7-week format, and how these courses affect staff workflow and workload.

Presentations about Accelerated Courses