Time management in higher education: Reforming the credit hour system in Jordan's universities

Abstract

Purpose

Since its introduction into higher education, the “philosophy” behind the credit hour system (CHS) and its use has not fundamentally changed. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to study time management in higher education as demanded by the students' CHS.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analysis current courses scheduling and in‐class teaching time (frequency and session's duration), as applied in Jordan' higher education, vis‐à‐vis time management efficiency and productivity.

Findings

The length of the school year may be cut by two months without any qualitative or quantitative losses. This result is expected to lead to economic and educational benefits for students, faculty, educational institutions, and the economy at large.

Research limitations/implications

The paper takes higher education in Jordan as a case of study and Jordan's higher educational system may have its own peculiarities.

Practical implications

The paper offers an alternative time framework and class scheduling that could be applicable in any country in which higher education institutions are applying the CHS, as in Jordan. Larger number of classrooms may be needed.

Originality/value

The proposed time framework and class scheduling, and the consequent change of the meaning and definition of the credit hour arguably is a significant innovation in higher educational time management.

Citation

Farras Oran, A. (2009), "Time management in higher education: Reforming the credit hour system in Jordan's universities", Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 32-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/17537980910938460