About Self-Paced Learning
Self-paced learning is not something new. We are all familiar with e-books and courses you can buy to learn a new skill; those do not always come with support. It is only you, going through the course or content at your own pace, and guess what? What you are doing is exactly what we call Self-Paced Learning.
In Education, Self-Paced Learning allows you to set your own schedule and pace for learning. You are not required to finish assignments simultaneously with colleagues or learn at the same pace as other students. Thanks to the flexibility, you can advance at your own pace through the topics and chapters.
At Spark Generation, we take advantage of the Self-Paced Learning Model not only to allow education without boundaries but also to cultivate skills like time management and prioritization or other skills needed by a student in order to master a Self-Paced Learning Model. We like to think of it as an extra type of education. One that prepares students for life.
The Benefits of Self-Paced Learning
When it comes to the benefits of the Self-Paced Learning model, there are many we can list. However, the most important ones are:
Flexibility – Every student has a unique learning habit and lifestyle, and we want to celebrate that. Self-paced learning can offer the flexibility needed by students who have unusual schedules or just want to learn something new without the physical commitment or having to be on time for lectures.
Accessibility – The advantage of Self-Paced Learning is that you can access it wherever you are and whenever you want to. Whether you are a student looking to learn a subject to help with university admission or a single parent looking to get a qualification in Computer Science for a new career path, Self-Paced courses are accessible to you and can be tailored to your needs.
Certifications – If a student chooses to take a self-paced course with an available assessment process attached to it and then successfully completes the examination, they can earn a certification. At Spark, students who take an exam after completing a self-paced course can earn a Cambridge International Certificate*. This qualification comes in useful for university enrolment or even career advancement.
Self-Paced Learning at Spark Hybrid High School
When it comes to Self-Paced Learning at Spark, we consider it a pillar of our Innovative Education Model. This learning model allows us to foster a community where flexible teaching and learning are possible for students worldwide.
Students who come to Spark are all looking for that flexibility. Whether they are athletes with busy schedules or teenagers looking to find their own educational path, at Spark, they are able to find the self-paced courses that will help them advance in their careers.
The Role of a Tutor in Self-Paced Learning
Tutors are the experts who can help us better understand certain aspects of a course and can help us prepare for the examination that comes at the end of completing a course.
If students opt into having a tutor to guide them and help them better understand the subject they are taking, they will have access to 1:1 personalized meetings with the tutor to discuss course material, occasional assignments, additional readings, and anything else that the student may find necessary in order to successfully complete the course.
Tutors’ roles and responsibilities may differ in every school, but one thing is clear – they are there to enhance your self-paced learning process.
Self-Paced Learning Without a Tutor
If students choose to complete a self-paced course without a tutor, they have to check all the necessary requirements that come with the course, such as buying a textbook or checking the syllabus for the course. If there isn’t a tutor to guide or oversee the learning process, students are responsible for organising their time in order to complete the course in a timely manner.
Procrastinating can become easy when there is no pressure or deadlines to meet. And we know very well that procrastination can also be the death of success. Especially if the course we aim to complete might help us get into our university of choice. Then, it’s very dangerous to procrastinate, and the encouragement of a tutor might come in handy.
Self-Paced Learning with Tutor Support
The process of Self-paced learning can obviously be enhanced by having a tutor to guide you through the course material.
As mentioned earlier, there are lots of privileges that come with tutor support. Such privileges are personalised meetings, extra support, additional resources to learn from, etc. Ultimately, tutors are also a general support system when it comes to keeping you motivated and engaged, eager to complete the course you started.
At Spark, tutor support is most wanted by students looking to take extra courses, such as courses unavailable at their local schools.
Some courses are needed for international university enrollment. Students choose to take these courses with tutor support to ensure they complete them successfully and secure their spot in their university of choice.
Tutor Support can also be helpful if students are struggling with a certain subject. Enrolling in a self-paced course with a tutor can help them catch up with the rest of the class. Or, it can help them get to the required level of knowledge needed in a subject for personal reasons or career development.
Conclusion
Whether you are looking for a self-paced language course to go on that vacation you’ve been postponing or a student looking for a subject your school does not offer, Spark can accommodate your needs. This article should help you decide if a self-paced course might benefit you best with or without a tutor.
If you want to explore the courses we offer at Spark, browse the course level you are interested in on our website. We offer IGCSE, As and A Level Academic courses as well as Non-Acemic courses. And because we are known to keep up with innovation, we are always looking for new subjects and topics from which our students could benefit.
If you know someone who would be interested in developing their skills while having all the flexibility in the world, forward them this article. Let’s help them find a self-paced course that will benefit their future career. They will thank you for it later.
FAQ Self-Paced Learning
What is Self-Paced Learning, and how does it benefit students?
Self-paced learning allows students to set their own schedule and pace for learning. It also provides the flexibility needed for individual learning habits and lifestyles. At Spark Hybrid High School, this model offers education without boundaries and cultivates vital skills like time management and prioritization.
What are the advantages of opting for Self-Paced Learning?
The benefits of self-paced learning are numerous. Firstly, it offers flexibility to cater to unique learning habits and lifestyles. Additionally, it provides accessibility, allowing students to learn from anywhere, at any time. Furthermore, completing self-paced courses can lead to certifications, such as the valuable Cambridge International Certificate, which can be advantageous for university enrollment or career advancement.
How does tutor support enhance the Self-Paced Learning experience?
Tutors play a crucial role in guiding students through the course material. They offer personalized 1:1 meetings to discuss course content, assignments, and additional readings. With their expertise, tutors help students better understand the subject matter and prepare for assessments. Tutor support particularly benefits those seeking extra courses, international university enrollment, or struggling with a specific subject.
