Listen with Mother? - Page 1 of 2 |
Listen and Learn
Distance education, according to its critics, is too didactic in approach. Time pressures and the constraints on organising discussions, mean that matriarchal providers narrate information. Learners then arrange these spoon-fed lumps into assignments.
The best providers don’t just tell the story, but enter into dialogue with those eager for knowledge.
To help combat high dropout rates for this distance learning, delivery still needs to become more learner-centred; a more active process for learners.
Are you sitting comfortably?
Tactics for Exam Success are a private company based in Bromley, who offer support for the Chartered Institute of Marketing examinations.
In addition to their distance learning provision, Tactics offer training programmes to corporate clients like, Lloyds TSB, Norwich Union, and Cable & Wireless.
Their first tele-tutorial came about when Tactics were assisting staff from a telecommunications company to prepare for their CIM exams.
The staff were spread around the country and so it was difficult to organise face-to-face tutorials.
However, what was available was a hi-tech phone system and so it was decided to run telephone tutorials.
This additional support was highly rated by learners, and so Tactics now offer it as an extra to other learners, or as a substitute for face-to-face programmes for geographically diverse corporate groups. They also offer one to one tele-tutorials for learners on problem subjects.
The logistics of the session I 'lurked' upon went like this I rang a special number and was greeted by a voice (real human not disjointed electronic) telling me that I was the first in, and that the others would be introduced as they arrived. As people phoned in, they were introduced to those already present. When the tutor was happy all were present, the recording started.
Then I’ll begin...
The tutor had distributed handouts, with notes on the subject to be discussed and exam questions in advance.
She began the session with a general chat about how everyone was getting on, and was sympathetic about time constraints and gave good advice for time planning. She set out a broad outline within which the participants could tailor the session to their needs.
Handsome Prince?
- Immediate and current
- Can reduce isolation & build confidence
- Interactive rather than passive or didactic
- Forum for knowledge sharing
- Calls can be recorded as revision aid
- Co-operation & leadership skills?
Evil stepmother?
Participants need:
- Suitable quiet place
- Good verbal communication skills
- Tutor may have too much input;
- Especially if the learners are unprepared
- Costs can be high, although using BT’s Three-way calling facility, a 3-person conference costs little more than the call charges.
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