As times change, new technologies emerge, and our lives change with them. One of these technologies, for example, is Artificial Intelligence – which has taken over as everyone’s personal assistant in the blink of an eye.
On the other hand, hybrid education is another big change in education infrastructure, and people are curious to discover what makes it so special compared to the traditional education system. Well, quite a lot of things. Keep reading to discover the main differences between hybrid and traditional high schools.
Defining Traditional Education
Most of today’s adults grew up attending a traditional high school. Traditional education is the type of education that always relies on the teacher’s direct engagement with students.
The students must attend a physical school, and most of the time, the teaching methods include a teacher presenting the subject matter or reading instructions for exercises and/or assessing the students’ knowledge.
This educational form is a time-honoured method that follows a strict schedule, and classes are usually made up of groups of 10-30 students – depending on the location and population number of the area.
The Hybrid Learning Model
Hybrid learning, also known as blended learning, has gained traction as an innovation that brings us closer to the future of education. It combines a mix of online education with in-person experiences, erasing traditional education’s boundaries, like physical location or having to adhere to strict schedules. We’ve explained it better here.
The hybrid learning model at Spark School is a dynamic fusion of online and offline learning, adhering to an 80/20 formula. Digital learning constitutes 80% of the students’ educational experience, leaving the remaining 20% for in-person interactions.
While the percentage split can vary across schools, the fundamental idea remains consistent – the modern family values the flexibility and individualised approach that the hybrid learning offers. Here’s what a Spark parent said about how the flexibility at Spark impacted her daughter’s learning journey:
“…The flexibility of the program allows students to pursue other activities alongside their studies, and the lack of physical boundaries enables families to travel without disrupting their child’s learning schedule. If I were a student again, I would definitely take a class at Spark School. The experience offered by Spark School is extraordinary for the students, and I think many people, parents and children alike, should seriously consider the opportunities available. My daughter has expressed her gratitude for being a student here, and I have also witnessed her taking charge of her own life enthusiastically. She makes clear choices, thinks independently, knows how to ask for help, and treats others humanely. Spark School has played a decisive role in her personal growth during this crucial age.”
Dana D, parent of Theodora D., Year 13 student
Flexibility Redefined
In contrast to the rigid admission periods of traditional schools, hybrid schools like Spark usually embrace flexibility at every turn – including the admissions period. Which is always open at Spark.
Students can enrol at any point in the year without adhering to admissions schedules. The fusion of active and passive learning styles empowers students to personalise their educational journeys and follow a learning path they are truly interested in.
They have the autonomy to determine when, where, and how they learn, unlike following rigid schedules or being physically tied to a place like a traditional school.
In traditional schools, the admissions period is a set period of time – depending on the country or region, the timing of it can vary – and it happens a couple of months before the next school year begins.
Empowering Students Through Choice
One of the main differences between hybrid and traditional high schools lies in the curriculum’s adaptability to every student’s individual learning pace.
Traditional classrooms often must adhere to a set curriculum, regardless of students’ comprehension levels. In contrast, the hybrid model permits students to pace their learning according to their understanding and schedule.
While it might be harder to follow everyone’s individual learning style and pace, hybrid schools make this possible because of the asynchronous learning nature that allows students to learn together when they want to but also allows them the space to learn alone – or with the support of a tutor, faster or slower when they need it.
Additionally, there are many known benefits of students learning at their own pace, and hybrid learning encourages this approach in favour of offering each student a personalised learning experience.
Exploring Diverse Learning Styles
Hybrid High Schools foster authenticity through diverse learning styles you don’t usually meet in traditional classrooms.
For example, peer-to-peer learning empowers students to share insights, mirroring the natural inclination to heed peers’ opinions. Project-based learning immerses students in hands-on experiences, mirroring the efficacy of learning through practical application. Small group discussions and 1:1 tutoring sessions dismantle the conventional lecture format, cultivating an engaging learning environment.
In a traditional school, the learning methods usually consist of reading materials, exercises, homework, group projects, and knowledge assessments.
Pros and cons of Traditional Learning
Pros
- Structured Learning Approach
- Cultivates punctuality in students
- Enhanced Social Interaction Opportunities
- Positive Competitiveness between students (can also turn into negative pressure)
Cons
- Additional travel and/or housing costs to attend a certain physical school
- Limited Flexibility in Study Hours, physical location, admission period, etc.
- Time-consuming travel or commute in case school is not near
- Note-taking pressures
- Dangers such as bullying, physical accidents in the classroom, etc.
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Learning
Pros
- Personalised Interactions with tutors and Learning Journey advisors
- Diverse Learning Approaches
- Allows Learning from Comfort Zones
- Flexibility in Study Hours & Location, Admission Period, learning style
- Teaches students time management & personal responsibility skills
- Allows for a personalised learning path following the interests and goals of every student
Cons
- Requires technology such as laptop, phone, tablet, earphones, etc.
- Parents’ & students’ responsibility to find exam centres
Next Steps
Hybrid learning may not be a universal solution for every family, but it holds immense potential for those seeking a dynamic and revolutionary educational experience.
As we strive towards an era of dynamic learning, the hybrid model highlights the importance of choice, flexibility, and embracing innovation to pave the way for a future-ready generation.
If you are curious about this learning style, you can discover it at Spark. Choose one of our +55 Cambridge Accredited Courses, or contact us and join a vibrant hybrid high school community today.
Allow yourself and your family the opportunity to taste the freedom offered by a different kind of education.
