Modes of Instruction

Mode Types

Clinical Practice (CLI)

In this mode of instruction, students are placed in professional situations that require far more faculty supervision than internships or practica (e.g., nursing, health sciences). Faculty typically interact with students in small groups.

Experimental (EXP)

Not described in the CBA. Contact the catalog editor with questions.

Field Application (FIE)

This mode of instruction typically involves study in an applied setting distinct from the traditional classroom setting and university environment. Some examples include intensive experiences in outdoor settings. Students apply theories, principles, methods, and skills of practice acquired through other modes of instruction to an applied or natural setting where professionals, in the student’s field of study, are typically engaged.

Independent Study (IND)

In this mode of instruction, an instructor and student meet independently and set goals for the student to reach by the end of the academic term. This mode may include a research project or research literature report developed by a student under the supervision of an instructor.

Informal Credit Activity (ICA)

Not described in the CBA. Contact the catalog editor with questions.

Internship (INT)

In this mode of instruction, a student is placed with a professional where the instructor is not present. The instructor may have a role in finding the internship, in meeting with the student to problem-solve, and in evaluating the student learning outcomes.

Laboratory (LAB)

This mode of instruction requires students to practice and explore principles, theories, and methods in a controlled laboratory environment. The instructor assists students in using instrumentation specific to a discipline and helps students acquire applied skills.

Lecture (LEC)

A lecture is the traditional method of instruction in which an instructor directly explains and describes information to students. May include some small group work and student presentations.

Lecture with Corequisite Clinic/PAS (LOC)

In this mode of instruction, an LEL, LSL, LEC, LPD, or SEM is paired with a CLI or PAS in such a way so that students must be enrolled in both throughout the term and only one grade is assigned. If a lecture and clinic may be taken in different terms, then this mode should not be used. (Examples: THTR 210, some Health Sciences courses)

Lecture with Corequisite Lab (LEL)

An LEC, LPD, or SEM is paired with a LAB in such a way so that students must be enrolled in both throughout the term and only one grade is assigned. If a lecture and lab may be taken in different terms, then this mode should not be used. Students enroll in one section that includes both the lecture and lab component of the class. An example of current practice at EWU is the pairing of 3 hours of lecture with 3 hours of lab for a 4-credit upper-level LEL course in CSTEM. (Note: These are entered into CIM and CLSS separately so as to be managed by the automatic scheduling software for room and time scheduling, but are paired in the system so that students must take them together.)

Lecture with Practice or Discussion (LPD)

This mode of instruction is similar to Lecture in that the instructor directly delivers information to a group of students. Additionally, instructors incorporate a substantial amount of student practice of lecture material and/or class discussion of lecture material into the classroom experience that may include small group work.

Lecture with Supplemental Lab Component (LSL)

This mode of instruction is similar to Lecture mode in that the instructor directly presents information to a group of students. Additionally, professors supplement lecture with some laboratory work, which does not require weekly additional time commitments for all weeks of the term. If a weekly lab should be scheduled, then the course should be Lecture with Corequisite Lab (LEL). The lab component of LSL is significantly less than that of LEL, and does not require a separate time like a traditional lab. LSL is scheduled like a Lecture (LEC).

Major Performance/Production (MPP)

Production courses in art, drama, journalism, music, photography, radio-TV, debate; results in a major public performance, showing, or distribution. Examples: orchestra, band, chorus.

Non-Credit Activity (NCA)

Not described in the CBA. Contact the catalog editor with questions.

Performance/Simulation (PAS)

This mode of instruction requires students to practice principles, skills, theories, and methods in a simulated environment other than a laboratory. The instructor assists students performing or simulating tasks specific to a discipline and helps students acquire applied skills. Students receive moderate direction from the instructor and have considerable independence in this mode. (Examples: some courses in Communication Sciences and Disorders, OT, PT)

Practicum (PRA)

In this mode of instruction, students are placed in professional situations with more supervision from university faculty than in internships. For example, social work practica. Faculty typically interact with each student 2-3 hours per week, and students are most often in different environments than each other.

Seminar and Dialogue/Clinical Processes (SEM)

This mode of instruction has a format similar to the Lecture mode in that the instructor and the students engage in the direct exchange of information. However, the typical seminar/discussion course may require clinical demonstrations, or student presentations, orally and/or in written form, new information to one another and to the professor. In general, this mode of instruction is more interactive between the instructor and the students, and among the students, than the Lecture mode, and involves the analysis and synthesis of information gathered through other modes of instruction.

Special Performance/Production (SPP)

Advanced student group production course in fine arts, drama, journalism, film, and music for a small group public space, such as jazz combos, jazz choir, chamber ensembles, and plays.

Studio & Lessons (SAL)

Studio, individual music instruction, small group workshops, or supervised activities requiring at least 1/2 hour of individual or group time with faculty member per week. Faculty work may include group rehearsals, auditions, art exhibitions, and other duties as described by the department.

Thesis or Research Project (THE)

This mode of instruction represents a summative assessment of the student’s academic competence in his or her field of study. It is distinguished from the summative experience of the field study that focuses mainly on the student’s professional application of skills, knowledge, and techniques in the applied or natural setting. The thesis or research project typically involves the preparation and defense of a research document.