Eight Ways To Boost Your Online Learning In The UK

Recent years have seen the rise of online courses that are more cost-effective and more flexible than ever before. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to program in Python, there’s no better time than now to do it. Just get online and start learning at https://www.coursesonline.co.uk/

Here are eight ways to make the most out of your online courses in the UK.

Join an online learning community

There are a lot of benefits to joining an online learning community, such as being able to share experiences with others in the same boat as you and getting advice from those who have been through what you’re going through. What’s more, with a community you can always feel supported no matter how hard things get.

There are many online communities out there for people taking courses online in the UK, and some of them offer different features that may be important to you or your needs. For example, some will only allow members who are currently enrolled in higher education courses or have certain qualifications while others let anyone join regardless of their background or experience level.

Use free online resources

  • Google Scholar – Google Scholar is a free search engine that indexes articles, books, and other materials from across the web. They have a scholar button on their search bar which will allow you to only see academic or peer-reviewed sources.
  • YouTube – YouTube is a video-sharing site that has videos on almost any subject imaginable. Not all videos are created equal, but many of them will give you a great introduction to the topic at hand and can be helpful for more visual learners.
  • Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) – MOOCs are courses offered over the internet by some of the world’s most prestigious universities with no cost to take them and no grades or credits given upon completion.

Get a tutor

If you need a tutor for a specific subject, then there are several services available to help you out. Some tutors will provide one-to-one sessions, others offer group classes, and some offer tuition by video call.

You may be able to find someone in your local area if you prefer that option. There is also the option of Skype lessons which are helpful if your tutor is in another country or even on the other side of the world.

Take advantage of technology

Online learning is a great way to learn new skills, and it’s only getting better. You can take advantage of the latest technology by using video, voice chat, and other multimedia tools to improve your learning experience. Plus, online courses are very convenient because you can work at your own pace from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection.

There are plenty of sites that offer reviews on different courses. Find one that suits your needs and start reading their reviews to see what previous students think about them. Look for free trials or money-back guarantees.

Set realistic goals

The first step to take when you are looking for online courses is setting a realistic goal. You need to know what you want to learn and how much time you can spend on the course. If you want to learn something in-depth, then it may be worth investing in a more expensive course that will take longer to complete.

If you are just looking for a quick overview of an idea, then an introductory course might suffice. You will have less homework or projects but it will be shorter overall.

Take regular breaks

Taking regular breaks is so important to the success of your online course. You might get a lot done in one sitting, but it’s only going to be temporary. It’s better for you and your work if you take regular breaks, even if it’s just five minutes. This will allow you to focus on what you’re working on and not burn yourself out.

Be organized

The best thing about taking courses online is that you can do it anytime, anywhere. That doesn’t mean that you don’t need to be organized, though. Here are some tips on how to organize your learning in the UK:

  • Keep a notepad handy and make notes as you go. You will be able to recall information much better later if you write down your thoughts as they happen. This will also help for studying purposes, so try to keep a notepad with you at all times.
  • Stay organized by creating folders on your computer for each course or subject and save any related files there. Keeping track of where everything is will help things run smoother when projects come due or quizzes are given out!

Reward yourself

It’s important to reward yourself for the hard work you do. Give yourself a break and make sure you’re doing things that make you happy, not just what you think is expected of you. Create a playlist of your favorite songs, or buy something small to get into the holiday spirit. Make it a point to eat out with friends or family, even if it’s just once in a while. It’ll help boost your mood and re-energize you as well!

Conclusion

There are various ways that you can take courses online. You could take a course as an individual, or you might be able to form a team with others who are interested in the same thing. This means that you have more chances of meeting up face-to-face and discussing the subject in person. Studying online is cheaper than studying at university, but it can take longer to finish your course because of the lack of classroom time and group work. However, this does not mean that there isn’t any help available for you as an individual – many universities will provide some form of support for students on their courses. It’s really up to how much help and personal attention you want from your school when choosing which kind of learning environment is best for you!

Author’s bio:

Mari Salome Malagar is a professional English teacher in the Philippines who is also a freelance content writer and social media content creator.  She loves to write and edit content for businesses and social media platforms. She has over 3 years of experience in teaching as well as digital media management.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/marimalagar

Technology Learning

What are the Benefits of Taking an Accounting or Bookkeeping Courses

If you’re interested in taking an accounting or bookkeeping course to help further your career and improve your job prospects, it’s important to understand what you can expect. This post will cover some of the benefits of taking accounting and bookkeeping courses and why you should consider committing to them.

Overview of Bookkeeping and Accounting

When choosing a career in either sector, it’s important to understand the differences between accounting and bookkeeping. Bookkeepers keep track of a company’s daily financial transactions. On the other hand, Accountants are more concerned with the larger picture.

There are a lot of details to keep track of with bookkeepers, so paying attention is crucial. Alternatively, accountants prepare financial statements using the bookkeeper’s entries to analyze the financial data. They carry out audits and provide projections about the company’s future demands.

Accountants and bookkeepers typically work together because the two professions are comparable. Many of the same talents and qualities are required in each profession.

Benefits of Taking an Accounting or Bookkeeping Course

Certainly, an accounting or bookkeeping course has a lot of benefits. Here are some of them:

1. Work Remotely

If you are an accountant or bookkeeper looking for flexibility in your work schedule and enjoy variety in your daily tasks, working remotely might be right.

For those with accounting experience but who want to expand their skill set, an online accounting or bookkeeping course is a great way to enhance your employability while working remotely.

2. Start Your Own Business

If you’re thinking about opening a small business or working freelance, here are some benefits of taking an accounting or bookkeeping course from a local community college:

  • Know how to keep track of income and expenses
  • Can create financial statements
  • Know how to create a budget for your business
  • Learn basic record keeping skills

3. Better Financial Health

Learning how to manage income and expenses is important if you’re looking to improve your overall financial health. While some people are naturally gifted at keeping track of their money, others struggle with the concept. For those who need help when it comes to managing their money, taking an accounting or bookkeeping course can be a great option.

4. Study for It Online

An online degree program provides great flexibility to students working in other fields or having family obligations. Instead of attending classes on campus at a designated time, they can log on to their courses whenever they have time — day or night, weekdays or weekends.

With online learning, students don’t have to worry about commuting to class or trying to find parking; they just turn on their computers and get started.

5. More Job Opportunities

Accounting is one of the most in-demand jobs on the market today. With new businesses popping up every day and existing businesses needing more employees to handle their accounts, qualified accountants are in high demand. If you take an accounting course and become certified, you will have access to more job opportunities than you would without certification.

6. Learn to Manage Money

You’ll have a better understanding of budgeting, using credit cards, keeping track of expenses, and paying bills will be incredibly helpful for staying on top of your finances. You’ll also learn about basic financial planning, which is important for younger people starting in the working world and older people close to retirement.

7. Gain a Valuable Skill Set

If you’re currently looking for work, having a specialized skill set can make you stand out from the crowd. Many entry-level jobs require applicants to have a college degree and relevant experience.

Still, if you have some knowledge of accounting or bookkeeping, you could be presented with more options. You may find that employers are more willing to hire you without extensive experience if they know that you have had some quality training and possess the skills they need.

8. Attractive Starting Salaries

Many employers offer higher pay to employees who are certified in their field. If you have completed an accounting course and earned your certification, employers may be willing to pay you more than they would otherwise.

9. Increase Your Confidence

One of the biggest benefits of taking an accounting or bookkeeping course is that it increases your confidence in handling money.

For example, if you have some money saved up for retirement but don’t know the first thing about investing, an accounting or bookkeeping course helps you understand how investments work. This means that when it comes time to invest your savings into something like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, you’ll be able to make informed decisions.

The same applies if you’re looking into how much house insurance would cost on a home purchase with just one course under your belt. Normally, the chances are good that you’ll figure out what kind of homeowners policy would best suit your needs!

Accounting and Bookkeeping Skills Open Many Doors for You

If you’re considering a career change, know that accounting and bookkeeping positions offer you many options.

Not only can you choose from a variety of industries, but you can also easily build on your skillset to take on new roles or move up the ladder. While your salary will vary depending on your experience and the company you work for, these positions typically offer competitive compensation.

References:

https://www.fnu.edu/6-benefits-accountant/

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/4-reasons-everyone-should-learn-basic-accounting

https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/blog/2021/04/29/the-top-10-benefits-of-studying-accounting/

Author bio:

Viena Abdon is a content creator with years of expertise in writing and editing for a variety of businesses. She runs a content writing company and oversees a staff of writers and proofreaders.

For over five years, she has been providing content creation and marketing services to companies of all sizes. Her team is composed of experienced writers, editors, and SEO specialists who can craft the most effective materials that help any business to take new heights.

9 Books To Read Over The Summer To Motivate You To Study

Summer is coming, and we are all thrilled about having a great time with family and friends. However, we should not forget about studies as well. The best way to incorporate education into your busy summer schedule is to include a few great books in your reading list. Discover these 9 books to read over the summer to motivate you to study.

We bet you may be puzzled about which book to read given a wide variety of choices. Jane Rivera, an essay helper on EssayHub, with a few other writing helpers has prepared a list of the books you need to read to feel motivated to study. Interested? Read ahead!

You Can Win, Shiv Khera

With his simplistic but powerful ideas about motivation and determination, Shiv Khera has managed to reach out to everyone. This book was initially perceived as a conventional self-help book. However, the simple language and a few striking points have made it a bestseller among those who aim for success through personal growth and positive thinking.

This book leaves you both emotionally fulfilled and relaxed. At the same time, you learn to be strong and confident no matter what.

The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It, Kelly McGonigal

Humans are hunted by two real enemies on their road to success. The laziness and the lack of willpower. Many of us have learned to suppress laziness when we have to, but when it comes to willpower, we usually tend to back off.

This book helps people take control of their lives as well as educates them on how to deal with both of those issues. The author discusses several suggested methods and strategies that can contribute to changing one’s life permanently.

Eat That Frog! 21 great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time, Brian Tracy

This is the time to learn a few practical tips on how to avoid procrastination and all that comes with it. The best way to do it is to ask a professional for help.

The author is well-known in the field of psychology of success. He is great when it comes to consultations about self-development and personal effectiveness. In this book, he shares his findings about time distribution and teaches people to leave the comfort zone.

The entire book is based on practical advice suggesting how to prioritize, plan, and work with maximum efficiency. You can achieve anything if you approach the task correctly.

Thinking Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman

If you want to get into the matter of our thinking patterns, this is the book for you. The author is a Nobel Prize winner who’s bold enough to dive into the mysterious world of our consciousness and subconsciousness.

Surprisingly, our thinking patterns, fears, and decisions all depend on what’s hidden deep down in our minds. You will definitely find a few revelations in this book extremely fascinating, making you want to read more to take your life under control.

Make It Stick, Henry Roediger

This book helps students understand the power of learning and get rid of assumptions that such boring things as highlighting, re-reading, and cramming are essential for studying. Instead, the book discovers the science of learning, explains what helps our memory, and tells how we can succeed when it comes to studying. Anyone will be able to find a few useful individual recommendations in the book.

Books to read over the summer to motivate you to study

A Mind for Numbers, Barbara Oakley

This book teaches students how they can learn efficiently while spending less time on cramming and memorizing. It tells several working secrets that can make dedicated students even more successful.

The name suggests that the book is all about numerical information but it’s not. Students of all majors will find plenty of helpful tips there.

The Procrastination Equation, Piers Steel

Another bestselling book that made the list is the one that specifically talks about procrastination. You can easily solve the problem of a lack of motivation by simply solving the mystery behind this equation.

The beauty of this book is that the author managed to put his findings into a very interesting and actionable format. You get no chance to get bored while reading it and solving your procrastination equation.

Outsmart Your Exams, William Wadsworth

If you faint when you think of exams, it’s time to put an end to this feeling. All you need to do is to make sure you get rid of poor management, performance gaps, mistakes, and other stuff. This book is a roadmap for you. By reading it, you can improve your grades, ensure successful performance on every exam, and even take full advantage of your memory.

Understanding How We Learn, Yana Weinstein

Another bright insight on how we learn was provided by cognitive psychologist Yana Weinstein. She combined the science behind memory and learning, added research-backed practices, and translated all complications into a simple language.

After reading this book, you’ll find out the connections between psychology, neuroscience, and memory, and learn to control them enough to learn better and faster.

Books to read over the summer to motivate you to study

Final Words about books to read over the summer

That’s pretty much a full lust of motivational reading that we suggest should be on your real or virtual bookshelf this summer. You definitely won’t regret taking your time to read these books. And there is a decent chance they will help you solve some of your personal problems and change your life for the better.

Clear Your Thoughts and Get Better Focus For Studying Steps

The process of studying is an integral part of everybody’s life and personal development work. We spend at least a dozen hours each day on improving our skills in learning, professional career, and even individual hobbies. How to focus on the cognitive process and improve concentration?

One has to be rather tricky with himself to keep a constant focus while studying, clearing his thoughts from all distracting sources. It is the key to better productivity and considerable progress. What helpful tips can advance your cognition?

What is Essential to Prepare Yourself for Studying?

The particular emphasis in any approach should be put on the right organization of a functional place to study. Furniture manufacturers are trying hard to overcome the problem of a proper workspace arrangement. The successful ones, such as Progressive Desk, have already achieved significant results to provide people with highly innovative desk designs. Their goal is to offer you the best quality products ensuring comfort, the flexibility of movement, and energy-saving support.

How to Prepare an Effective Place for Studying to Ensure Better Concentration?

  • Make a proper order at your room or office. Clean the dust;
  • Air the room. The oxygen will provide enough energy to study;
  • Take care of a comfortable chair ensuring maximum comfort and a healthy body position;
  • Provide yourself with the possibility to work standing. Let whole your body keep the energy up by moving muscles. This will add activeness and raise mental capacity;
  • Remove all unnecessary things from the workplace, but keep the needed supplies where you can easily reach them;
  • Get rid of all moving objects and distracting sounds that may disturb your attention. Close the door, ask people not to bother you when it is not urgent.

When the studying environment is ready, let’s figure out how to prepare your mind.

How to Clear Your Thoughts and Focus Better?

Even if you are a hard-working person and love to study, sometimes you face the problem of low focusing. What can be done?

  • To hold off on other disturbing thoughts, define a specific time to think of them later;
  • Make a schedule. Keeping the deadline in your mind will raise your productivity;
  • Prepare a clear plan to fulfil your tasks. Without a structure, the whole process may have an undesired snowball effect;
  • Forget about social networks while you study;
  • When you need to think especially hard or analyze anything, turn off the gadgets and “stay alone” with your challenge;
  • Make small breaks if you feel your mind is getting tensed, tired, or confused by the think tank. Stand, stretch legs, drink a glass of water;
  • Always remember your goal. Imagine the satisfaction you will achieve after it is reached.

Although you cannot make the whole outer world disappear to enable your high concentration on studying, the mentioned efficient steps can be followed to control the situation.

About the Author: Hayley Mann is a technology enthusiast specializing in automation methods of ergonomics devices. Her engineering background helps her to create interesting articles on technical topics, making them understandable for all readers.

Positive Words Research – Clear Your Thoughts and Get Better Focus while Studying Following These Steps

Get Better Focus

What Shift to Virtual Learning is for Future of Classroom Learning

“We are living in the 21st century, and technology is everywhere around us. Even before the global pandemic, virtual learning tools were implemented by both college professors and experts conducting business courses”, says an expert that wrote best TOEFL preparation reviews. However, it seems that COVID-19 has put a major focus on e-learning and conducting classes online. 

According to the data provided by the World Economic Forum, over 1.2 billion children aren’t available to attend classrooms due to the coronavirus outbreak. The statistics do not exist for employees who were in the process of attending courses to learn skills. However, it is presumable there are millions of them throughout the world, and the pandemic hit them hard, too.

It seems that technology has already motivated (or forced) those involved in organizing the learning process to adapt. Now, everyone is forced to move to a virtual environment. Even when the pandemic is over, will we be able to return to the classroom learning we know from the past? Will this shift to virtual learning adjust the conduction of classes in organizations and business environments?

It seems that the number one challenge of virtual teaching is ensuring that every person attending the course needs to have the same conditions and experiences during the learning process. Those are the two sides of the equality coin when it comes to virtual learning environments.

Online courses might seem more accessible to everyone, and short courses are a great way to upskill yourself. Whether the companies or the employees are paying for these classes, the price for online-only courses is more affordable. Additionally, you don’t have to waste time and money to get to the classroom location, and all resources should be available in the electronic format, too.

But what about the hardware and software employees work with when attending the course? What if companies didn’t secure laptops for their employees? What if some attendees have outdated laptops that are slow, which affects their overall experience? How will they follow classes streamed live if their internet connection is not reliable? What if they don’t have the software required to open specific files? They might use free tools, which are not as good as premium apps used by others. Does that put them at a direct disadvantage?

Another challenge for virtual learning environments is keeping your concentration. It might be convenient if you can go through the course at your own pace, and at the time of day and night when it suits your schedule. But it takes more focus than many think to follow an entire online learning session, especially if it’s not interactive or entertaining. The online attention span is traditionally low, and the fact you are alone in the room with no one watching will only make it easier to reach for your phone or take a look at the TV. Ultimately, the pace of going through the classes will end up being slower than with classroom learning.

An article in Tomorrow’s Professor Postings asks the question if it is possible to accurately evaluate a person who attends a course in the virtual world. How certain can you be that a person you might not have talked to or seen at all understood what you were teaching?

It is not much different in a business environment. Many tutors love the fact that they can communicate face to face with the people attending their course. They feel like they understand better if they crossed the message successfully.

The social factor is imperative, too. Not only it adds to the motivation of competing one against the other, but it is also easier to enter a discussion regarding a topic in a classroom. That improves the focus of each attendee and allows them to adopt new information quickly. On top of that, you have topics and vocations ideal for distance learning, but some topics are extremely hard to teach in a virtual environment.

It would be foolish to refuse tech assets when they could help you in classroom learning. The approaches might vary, but some ways to use technology in the classroom can be applied from elementary school to business courses.

Here is how you can use technology to your advantage in the classroom:

  • Add new elements to presentations – most business courses these days utilize presentations, but the trick is in making them as engaging as possible. Use videos for particular segments, and implement moments where you will stop the presentation from having a discussion with the attendees.
  • Secure laptops for all attendees – it might be tricky if employees are forced to bring their own laptops because not all of them are identical. If you can afford it, it would be great to add a laptop for each attendee to use during the course.
  • Make all resources easily accessible – you can consider placing presentations or live course recordings on a particular platform after the class. Every attendee should find it easy to access all resources at home or whenever desired.
  • Add self-assessment tools – simple tests with questions to answer about the topics taught at the course is an excellent way for attendees to assess how well they understood the course. If the teacher has access to the results, it could inform them about which of the attendees could use extra help with a specific topic

Hybrid Learning – Is It Our Future?

It doesn’t have to be the battle between classroom learning and virtual teaching environments. It seems that hybrid learning could be our future, which implies incorporating both virtual and classroom learning elements. HR managers, directors, companies, providers offering courses, and other relevant parties need to work together to find the balance between the two. That is why the ultimate thing to consider is the goal that you are trying to achieve. Based on that, it will be easy for an organization to determine the best method to reach that objective!

Positive Words Research – What the Shift to Virtual Learning Means for Future of Classroom Learning

How to Better Get Prepared for Studying Abroad Today

We truly live amazing times, now more than ever – we can easily notice this even when looking at how accessible it is for young people to relocate from one country to another for their studies. To this end, studying abroad can be one of the most enriching and thrilling experiences of your entire life. It’s an experience that broadens your horizons, facilitates meeting new people and understanding new cultures, while at the same time helping you develop like never before. 

However, if you jump on board this experience without knowing what to expect, you may encounter some struggles that can take away from the blissful feelings brought on by newness. So here’s how you need to prepare and what to expect when traveling abroad.

How to Better Get Prepared for Studying Abroad

1. Choose Wisely, You’re In Charge of Your Future

Since this is so much more than just a weekend getaway and you’ll spend years studying in a completely new country, you’ll need to make an informed decision regarding two aspects. The first one should consider the field of study you’d like to be in for the next years of your life. Would you see yourself continuing a career in that field of work? Is it something you’d actually be passionate about studying? If so, would these classes be acknowledged in your country? The last thing you’d like to go through is to look back and see if you’ve spent your time in vain.

The second aspect you need to do careful research on is the actual country’s culture and how it fits your own personality. Learn about the country’s local traditions, the way its people interact with one another and see if they naturally resonate with your soul‍. By overlooking this aspect, you can easily end up spending your time feeling disconnected, jaded and longing to get home faster.

2. Create a Well-Established Itinerary

If you want to enjoy your new experience from the very first moments, you will need to ensure your itinerary is up-to-date and all your connections are booked from the get-go. Sacrificing a bit of time while you’re still at home means you don’t need to sacrifice time while you’re traveling and you also don’t need to spend the extra cash you could actually put to better use.

Another great way to get around and avoid negative feelings is to actually carry a printed map of the new location with you at all times. This will allow you to not depend on your phone and an internet connection, in case anything doesn’t go according to plan. 

3. You Can’t Avoid Homesickness By Studying Abroad

No matter how well prepared you to travel to your new country, homesickness is a universal phenomenon that without a doubt everyone who’s relocated to a new country eventually experiences. This can happen within two months of your stay there or even after the first six months. And when you think you’ve managed these feelings and are getting better, you can start missing home even more than you did the previous time.

So remember how powerful words can be in regards to your well-being and understand that it’s okay to reach out whenever you’re feeling down. Keep an open mind and let yourself assimilate your new environment as it comes to you since the path of least resistance is always the most rewarding in the end. Practice gratitude every day and remember your reason for having chosen this experience in the first place. This is the only way you can create and consolidate a truly positive study environment.

4. Be Prepared for the Differences in the Financial System when studying abroad

When it comes to the financial and administrative tasks of relocation, everyone faces some hurdles in their process and most of the time they’re pretty exhausting. This is why it’s best to contact your bank before leaving the country in order to ensure you can use your card in the new country. You should also find out what fees there are when withdrawing from foreign ATM’s or when paying by card abroad. These small steps can save you from a whirlwind of negative emotions down the road and not mention, a lot of misspent cash.

5. You’ll Discover Yourself and the World

Perhaps this is the most rewarding aspect of them all when it comes to studying abroad. Each person going through this adventure will have different experiences, but one thing is certain. No one returns from studying abroad the same people they were when they began. This is because the entire experience propels you from your comfort zone straight into the unknown and that is the best foundation for self-development. You’ll learn how to live on your own, how to make connections with people that don’t even speak your language, how to get by in a foreign country and how to live without an immediately accessible emotional support system. 

All in all, the beauty of studying abroad is that you can never really predict the unpredictable, regardless of how well you prepare for it. However, by following these basic tips, you may find yourself adjusting quicker to your environment and truly enjoying what this new chapter of your life has to offer.

About the Author

‘Claudia Spataru is a free spirit located in Bucharest, Romania and always in search of answers to life’s greatest questions. She loves to understand how people work, what makes them tick and find ways to help them reach higher grounds. She adores the sea, traveling and laughing.’

How to Better Get Prepared for Studying Abroad

Positive Instructing Technologies: Future of Online Learning

Disclaimer: This article is primarily intended for teachers and parents. Still, it can prove insights for anyone interested in the converging disciplines of ‘Teaching’ and ‘Learning’. Anyone who can bear the sight of academic concepts tucked in ‘hither and thither’ within the prose. So reader discretion is advised…

What is the best way to impart a quality education?

One that does not restrict the student’s intellectual scope, but encourages it to grow uniformly. Both within the confines of the curriculum and without it.

In this post, I will attempt to address this question, as well as try to anticipate the direction in which the Online Learning venture is headed. The role that ‘positive’ technologies – such as Constructivist teaching models – will inevitably play in the future will also be shed light upon.

When scholars and researchers analyze learning & teaching methods academically, they tend to emerge with not-very-dissimilar conclusions.

“A general optimism/freshness of outlook and theoretical perspective is a critical component of every sound and collaborative teaching regimen.”

The traditional stances pertaining to this issue have largely given way to more information-sharing & knowledge-construction frameworks. These have been explored in full through the progressive/constructivist paradigm of imparting education. As a result, it might be a good idea to explore the future of learning from today’s vantage point.

Because when the end is clear, the journey becomes easy (or so they say)!

Note: All theoretical approaches referenced in this article blog post have been acquired through the Spectrum Internet Plans

On Positivity within the Classroom: A Personal Account

Positivity within the Classroom

I’d like to state that by ‘positivity’ I do not wish to make allusions to the concept of ‘scientific positivism’. ‘Positivity’ has to be taken in its more literal and psychologically-subjective sense – to be made sensible for our purposes.

Positive vs. Humane Reinforcement

In virtually all interactive sessions that I had within my classrooms, one core teaching principle seems to have consistently stood my test of time and experience. I call this teaching positive reinforcement.

This is different from humane reinforcement, in which the child on the receiving end of an academic check is left scarred with a debilitating sense of failure. As most psychological authorities would attest, adolescent and pre-adolescent children are particularly susceptible to negative feedback. Even if it should be warranted and conveyed politely.

As I have learned through my fourteen years of classroom engagement, the best way to communicate your disapproval of a student’s work performance is to not intone the said verbal or textual correspondence as such.

Learning from My Mistake

When starting out as a fresh instructor, I continually committed an error. I used to be very direct and straightforward with my impressionable young ‘charges’; as I referred to them in my Victorian state-of-mind back then.

At this point, I’m sure that you can gauge something about my psyche from these involuntary admissions. I generally believe that a teacher should be like an open book, with a transparent subjectivity that can be understood. Charismatic and forceful figures have the uncanny influence of dictating their opinions to others.

It wasn’t long before I discovered the great degree of animosity and willful contempt that started to radiate from each and every one of them. Even from some of my star pupils, who I always attempted to laud loudly in front of everyone.

Instead of imparting learning and improving students social skills, I had unconsciously become responsible for brewing up a mob-like sentiment in the group. One that was fast on its way to imploding from within. That means with pupil turned against a fellow pupil. Which wanted to bind me in a body bag!

Making changes

My moment of redemption actually came from the instigations of one of my more discerning students. This pupil indirectly attempted to point out the egregious folly of my ways. I asked about what I could do to make my attempts at consolidating a more congenial and ‘breathe-easy’ environment within the classroom. She offered an apt retort: Don’t ever criticize, or say wrong, to any one of us, Miss. Like, never!

And I have not only stuck to this wise commandment ever since but have also traced its echoes in some of the leading pedagogical theories of the 20th century. All these theoretical approaches can be thought of as abstract technologies in their own right.

This is because they provide teachers with a tested framework of assumptions. Which can be used to come up with innovative results in particular learning environments.

On the Importance of Positive Intent within the Classroom

But what is true of all of these in-class approaches? It is that the dually-conjoined issues of teacher politeness/compassion and positive attentiveness serve as de facto limiting factors to the success of any instructing venture. If a certain tutor happens to fall short in terms of these matters, he/she risks the viability of the entire academic program.

Irrespective of which theoretical teaching model is adhered to. And till date, I haven’t come across even one educationist, who would be willing to sabotage the one vocation that he/she adores the most – that is tutoring.

There are ‘no wrong answers’, but only different ways of interpreting the same sociological & rational phenomena, therefore a skilled instructor can initiate two-way dialogues with students. Not a one-way exchange of information.

This technique inculcates a sense of confidence in the minds of students. It encourages them to build and refine their own knowledge-bases consistently. When a tutor is conceived as more of a negotiator of knowledge, and not its immaculate & singularly-authoritative repository, true learning can be facilitated.

Learning needs to be dialectical, requiring the constant input of all members. It should not be construed as a canvas to showcase the skills-set of the individual delivering the information.

For the betterment of all, that is!

Online Learning – Its Current & Future Prospects

The advent of the Internet Age brought with it an entire host of opportunities for education services to the masses. With the backing of the One-World vision, the World Wide Web sought to transform the way in which information-dissemination began to be grappled with as an initiative.

It wasn’t long before major university institutions started offering their distance education services to students. These virtual programs are also bound by the strict legal stipulations observed in the original brick-and-mortar academic sites. Upon the successful completion of an e-learning regimen, a student is subsequently awarded a certified university degree.

Addressing Current Distance Learning Programs

Although current distance education programs are fully interactive and dialogic,  they have faced their fair share of criticisms. Proponents of the current virtual learning model argue in favor of maintaining some semblance of a structure. They argue that the complete dissolution of existing paradigms for the sake of entrenching a more pluralistic model will lead to a state of postmodernist chaos ensuing within the classroom. Their detractors espouse a more ‘internationalist’ view of the teaching/learning environment.

With the contention that currently exists between these two pedagogical camps, one thing is certain. The future of online learning will definitely feature a more diversified blending-in of all known theoretical approaches. And the teaching virtues of a rigorous brand of optimism and continual hope will form an integral part of this learner-oriented future.

And in my opinion, the world, with all its legions of young learners destined to take the reign of global management from their predecessors, will be better off for it!

Author’s Bio

Rosie Harman is an Educationist, a Book-Lover, and a Culture-Critic, who likes to recount her professional experiences (of being a Middle School teacher) using the medium of words. She lives in Ann Harbor, MI, and can often be found taking long walks around Lake Michigan. She regularly blogs at Spectrum Cable Company.

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