Contact Hours and Credits
Please note that the following information was gathered from a draft document dated 2/16/95.
Credit Hour Definition - HECB Policy - WAC 250-61-010/220
"Credit hour" means the unit by which an institution measures its course work. The number of credit hours assigned to a course in defined by the number of hours per week in class and out of class preparation. One credit hour is usually assigned for three hours of student work per week or its equivalent. The three hours of student work per week is usually comprised of a combination of one hour of lecture and two of homework or three hours of laboratory. (SBCTC uses two hours of laboratory and one hour homework for laboratory definition.) Note: The focus is on student learning.
Total Contact Hours for the Quarter
Report the total number of contact hours per week (one hour period=one contact hour) that the class normally meets during the week within the categories as defined below. The one hour includes the 5-10 minute break between periods. Classes scheduled in block mode may count the hours between the start and finish. (Example: 8 a.m. to 12 noon = 4 hours: 9. a.m. to 10 a.m. (which includes time to change courses or break time) = 1 hour)
5.40.02 Credit Values and Credit Equivalents - Continued
(5) Credit Ratio Standards for modes of instruction - The following titles, definitions, and credit ratios are used in calculating credit values. The length of the quarter may vary between 10 and 12 weeks. Each college must use the length of quarter closest to their average. No additional credit equivalents may be generated by adjusting the length of the quarter. If transcript credits are used in transcripting student performance, the same credit value must be used for reporting.
Categories
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Lecture/Discussion - Credit Ration 1:1
Contact hours in which the predominant instructional mode is lecturing from prepared materials and/or discussion. Conduct of the instruction is continually under the direction of the instructor. This mode assumes approximately two additional hours of out-of-class assignments per classroom contact hour. In this mode, one credit is generated by each weekly contact hour of instruction.
The mode is direct teacher instruction, and content shall be primarily theory or applied theory, with the majority of classroom contact hours being devoted to presentation of new material. The practice and mastery of that material is accomplished primarily outside the classroom or through companion laboratory/clinic classes. Instruction may be a mix of direct and indirect teacher instruction, but the majority is direct. Ten to twelve classroom contact hour, including final examinations generate one credit hour.
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Applied Learning/Laboratory - Credit Ration 2:1
Contact hours in which the predominant instructional mode is individual study in a classroom, laboratory, shop, or studio. Conduct of the instruction is continually under the direct supervision of the instructor. This mode includes learning activities in laboratories, clinics, or workplaces where students receive hands-on learning experience continually supervised by the instructor. Work is normally completed in the learning environment, but may include out-of-class assignments. In this mode, one credit is generated by two weekly contact hours of instruction and approximately one additional hour of out-of-class assignments.
The contact hours shall be devoted primarily to practice, mastery, clarification, and application of material, rather than presentation of new or theoretical material. The instruction may be a combination of direct and indirect teacher instruction, but the majority of the instruction is indirect. Twenty to twenty-four contact hours generate one credit hour.
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Work Site
Contact hours in which the predominant instructional mode is autonomous study or related work activity under the intermittent supervision of the instructor. This mode includes working with or under the direction of professional practitioners. In the case of work site educational experiences, or learning into action experiences, the learning activity must be based on a written agreement with the participating training provider. In this mode, one credit is generated by three weekly contact hours of instruction. In the case of work site instruction, a one hour per week seminar or discussion group activity is required. Thirty to thirty-six hours of instructional hours generate one credit hour.
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Other: Credit Ratio: 5:1
Contact hours in which minimal supervision is provided or required for work-related learning activities. This mode includes internships, and community involvement projects. In this mode, one credit is generated by five weekly contact hours of instruction. In this case, work site experiences have no related seminar or discussion activity. Fifty to sixty contact hours generate one credit hour.