To the editor: My husband, my son and I are all UCLA alumni (lessons of 1970, 1979 and 2010) underneath the quarter system (“UC considers adopting semester system in any respect faculties,” July 1). We additionally all attended graduate applications that used the semester system.
All of us most well-liked the quarter system. The faster tempo discouraged procrastination, forcing us to remain organized and accountable for finishing assignments on time. This can be a priceless life lesson, as all of us found in our careers in enterprise, training and legislation. The semester system, alternatively, led to tutorial lethargy that served nobody effectively.
As an educator myself, I dispute the declare quoted within the article that textbooks organized in 15-20 chapters slightly than 10 ought to affect the UC determination. Lecturers must determine methods to construction their lessons. Textbooks are merely instruments.
One level not raised within the article: The associated fee to a scholar, in {dollars} and in time, is much less for 1 / 4 than for a semester. If well being or different elements pressure college students to withdraw for 1 / 4, or so as to add an additional quarter to their time in faculty, the quarter system provides extra flexibility.
I sincerely hope that the UC system doesn’t get rid of the quarter system, which has labored effectively for therefore many people.
Robin Winston, Culver Metropolis
