Archive for August, 2009
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21
Aug
2009
Distance Education
What is distance education?
Distance education is studying/teaching that occurs ‘off-site’, where the teacher and student are separated by time or place, also known as flexible delivery. Rather than attending classes at an institution, distance education allows the student flexibility in regards to where and when they will study. Traditional distance education involved sending courses through the postal system and returning assignments the same way- otherwise known as correspondence courses. This method of distance education expanded in the 19th century with the development of the postal system.
However, technological advances have largely displaced this form of education, or at least blended it with other forms. These include the use of email, online chat, audio/data CDs, videoconferencing, online blackboards and podcasts. In fact many of these new technological areas are increasingly being adopted by institutions for students studying in a face-to-face mode. More and more it technology is being recognised as a great teaching tool that is interactive, collaborative and allos individualised attention.
What are the benefits of distance education?
One of the obvious benefits of distance education is the flexibility in delivery. The student can study at home or wherever they are travelling, at whatever time of day that suits them. This is particularly suitable for those balancing work, family, hobbies, volunteer work, travel abroad and study. It usually costs less as the student does not have to travel, as well as lower courses fees (as facility overheads are minimal). There are a wider range of learning methods available so you can choose whichever suits you best. You can also choose a course from a reputable university or college wherever it is located, as opposed to being limited by your geographical location. This is especially relevant if you live in a rural area or abroad where educational options are limited.
21
Aug
2009
Language and educational coaches
Academic Coaching
A ‘coach’ usually refers to a sports coach who trains an athlete to improve their technique and performance, or aids and instructs people who want to exercise to become fit and lose weight. However there are coaches for all different fields, from speech coaches who train their pupils in public speaking and delivery, accent reduction and presentation skills, to acting coaches who train actors how to enhance their skills. Basically a coach is someone who not only teaches skills and information, but also encourages, motivates, and helps their pupil to reach their full potential. This is especially important for ‘life coaches’. Another type of coach is a speech coach who provides training in presentation skills, public speaking and accent reduction.
Academic coaches mentor students to improve study and learning skills. While tutors teach students the course material, coaches show students how to be successful at learning, including study skills, time and stress management, effective reading and note-taking, how to approach exams, understanding the syllabus, effective essay and report writing to academic standards and presentation skills. Usually coaches meet with students once a week, giving tips and monitoring their learning efficiency, whether while they are already enrolled in a course or trying to pass entrance exams. One of the key aspects of academic coaches is trying to encourage and motivate students to excel, as well as giving them the tools to do so.
Language Coaches
Language coaches are similar to academic coaches in that they give the tools needed for success, as well as motivating the student. Language coaches may teach students the best way to approach language learning, help with pronunciation, give opportunities to practice conversing in the foreign language, provide materials to immerse the student in the language (books, journal articles, movies, tapes, music, websites with practice exercises). They can also go over students’ work to show where they can improve.
7
Aug
2009
Language Tutors
Language Tutors
There are different types of language teachers for different sorts of learning and students. For example, types of English teachers include ESL teachers, EFL teachers, and teachers who teach English to English speakers (usually the study of English literature). Teachers may also teach a foreign language in a language college or Saturday school, in high schools and universities.
A private tutor is someone who teaches a specific subject or skill to a student or group of students, usually outside of a formal learning institution. This should not be confused with the type of tutor who teaches undergraduate students at university, and is usually themselves either a postgraduate student or graduate with a PhD. Private tutors are usually hired independently or through an agency to coach students who need extra attention whether because they are behind or exceptionally advanced. The individual attention which is often lacking in large classes helps students gain skills more rapidly. Tutelage is very common when students are approaching important exams, such as entrance exams to selective high schools or final high school exams. Sometimes schools offer extra tutelage for remedial students or those who cannot speak English proficiently (ESL teachers).
Tutoring
There are different sorts of tutoring, from private tutoring mentioned above, to peer and online tutoring. One type of tutoring is academic tutoring, where the tutor is usually a student at a higher level of education. The tutor can help students as they have previously done the course material, and can teach them additional information as well as encourage them that it is possible to excel. Peer tutoring is where a student in the same level of education or grade helps a fellow student so they do not fall behind. Online tutoring is a way of obtaining help without the hassles of having to meet. This can occur through chat, web and teleconferencing, skyping, and can be scheduled or unscheduled.