Fact Check: Are wgu classes hard?

Are WGU Classes Hard? A Fact-Check

Introduction

The claim under examination is whether classes at Western Governors University (WGU) are difficult. This question arises frequently among prospective students considering enrollment in WGU's online programs. The perception of difficulty can vary widely based on individual experiences, course content, and personal learning styles. This article will explore various sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the claims regarding the difficulty of WGU classes.

What We Know

1. WGU's Structure: WGU is a fully online, competency-based university that allows students to progress through courses at their own pace. The university emphasizes personalized support and resources tailored to individual student needs 1.

2. Student Experiences: Anecdotal evidence from students suggests a range of experiences regarding course difficulty. Some students report that WGU courses are manageable, with a focus on assignments and tests that can be completed without extensive additional work 3. Others indicate that certain courses can be quite challenging, particularly those requiring comprehensive understanding of complex subjects 4.

3. Comparative Difficulty: Comparisons with other online education platforms, such as Sophia and Study.com, suggest that WGU may be perceived as easier in some respects, primarily due to its assessment structure, which may require fewer cumulative assessments to pass 34.

4. Accreditation and Reputation: WGU is an accredited institution, and it has received positive recognition in various rankings, which may influence perceptions of its academic rigor 5. However, individual experiences can vary significantly, and some students have shared negative reviews regarding the quality of instruction and course organization 610.

5. Specific Course Feedback: Discussions on forums reveal mixed opinions about specific courses. Some students found certain classes straightforward, while others struggled, indicating that difficulty can be subjective and dependent on the course and the student’s background 79.

Analysis

The evidence regarding the difficulty of WGU classes is largely anecdotal, drawn from student testimonials and online discussions. This raises several points for critical evaluation:

• Source Reliability: Many of the sources are informal, such as Reddit posts and forum discussions. While they provide valuable insights into student experiences, they lack rigorous methodology and may not represent the broader student body. For instance, a post on Reddit may reflect an individual’s unique circumstances rather than a comprehensive overview of the program 23.

• Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, such as WGU's official website, are inherently biased as they aim to promote the university and its programs 1. While they provide factual information about the university's structure and support systems, they may downplay challenges faced by students.

• Variability in Course Difficulty: The variability in course difficulty is a significant factor. Some students report that while certain classes are manageable, others can be quite demanding, suggesting that the difficulty is not uniform across the curriculum 46. This inconsistency complicates the assessment of overall difficulty.

• Need for Additional Information: To better understand the difficulty of WGU classes, more systematic studies or surveys that quantify student experiences across a broader demographic would be beneficial. This could include standardized assessments of course difficulty and student satisfaction.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim regarding the difficulty of WGU classes is partially true, as evidence suggests that student experiences vary significantly. Some students find the courses manageable, while others encounter challenges, particularly in complex subjects. This variability indicates that the perception of difficulty is subjective and influenced by individual backgrounds and learning styles.

It is important to recognize that the evidence primarily consists of anecdotal accounts, which may not accurately represent the experiences of all students. Additionally, the informal nature of many sources raises questions about their reliability. While WGU's competency-based model may offer flexibility, the actual difficulty of courses can differ widely, complicating any definitive assessment.

Readers should approach this information critically and consider their own learning preferences and backgrounds when evaluating the difficulty of WGU classes. Further research, including systematic studies, would be beneficial to provide a more comprehensive understanding of this issue.

Sources

1. The WGU Student Experience – Your Success is Our Priority. Western Governors University. Link
2. To Those Considering CS at WGU - My Experience! Reddit. Link
3. Difficulty of WGU vs Sophia or Study.com classes. Reddit. Link
4. Are WGU courses easier/faster than SL/SDC? DegreeForum. Link
5. How I Did an MBA in 4.5 Months at Western Governors University. Felix Wong. Link
6. Bad Review for WGU: Dishonest, Incompetent, and ... DegreeForum. Link
7. WGU MBA Experience. DegreeForum. Link
8. Western Governors University Reviews. OnlineU. Link
9. What Was/Is Your Toughest Course in WGU. TechExams Community. Link
10. Western Governors University Reviews. OnlineU. Link