Дополнительные материалы по теме "Образование"

Дополнительные материалы к теме «Образование»

Коммуникативная задача:

• Преимущества и недостатки индивидуального обучения

HOMESCHOOLING VS. DISTANCE EDUCATION

1 a) Discuss Mark Twain’s quote “I've never let my school interfere with my education.” How do you understand it? Is it necessary to go to school to get educated nowadays?

b) Why do some parents decide on giving home education to their children? Read the article and check your ideas.

Many parents choose to teach their children at home, instead of enrolling them and making them study within the formal settings of public or private schools.  Parents choose to homeschool their children for many different reasons. Sometimes a kid is sick and can't go to regular school. Homeschooling prevents children who are hyperactive or not behaving according to the norm, but otherwise have good intellect, from being unfairly labeled as needing special education. But more often, kids are homeschooled because their parents feel they can give their child a better education than the local school can. You have two homeschooling options. There are a lot of factors to consider and it all depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. There is no right or wrong way.

What is homeschooling?

Homeschooling is when the responsibility for learning is placed upon the parents. You learn reading, math, and other stuff taught in school from your parents or tutors who come to your house. A kid may be the only one, or he or she may be taught with brothers, sisters, or kids from the neighborhood.

What is distance education?

For distance education, you enroll in a school and they send you lessons on a regular basis, with all required resources. Everything is linked to the traditional schooling curriculum and students are assigned a teacher. They correspond with the teacher via Skype, phone or email.

The belief home school and distance education children are weird, unsocialised and not able to go to university is an old-school way of thinking and some parents are eager to argue.

Kunam Mani preferred distance education over home schooling for her son Nimai as the curriculum was set by the Brisbane School of Distance Education and marked by a distance education teacher. "I’m not a great supporter of the education system, but I do believe in a certain structure to learning. The curriculum in the essential areas like reading and maths, sometimes science, is pretty on-point.  We certainly won’t be homeschooling forever and I don’t want Nimai to fall behind,” she said. “The one-on-one attention has been really marvellous and I know him well in terms of how his mind works. It's been really enjoyable watching him grow and it really surprised me at times with what he knows."

On the other hand, Merryn Cosgrove of Eudlo found home schooling to be more suitable for her 10-year-old son and six-year-old daughter. "My son was already a fluent reader at four years old. He taught himself to read," she said. Mrs Cosgrove enrolled her son in school for six months, but found it wasn't working. "He wasn't stimulated enough and we felt we could do as good a job and we were catering to his own needs," she said. "Same with our daughter, the more we started into home schooling, the more we realised it was a fantastic option." Not only could Mrs Cosgrove choose the curriculum, she had the luxury of tailoring it to her children's needs and ability to move through the program at their own pace.

Ms Mani's son also went to a local school, but found he would be a bit lost in a classroom and not be attentive enough in a group situation. She feared he would fly under the radar and not meet his full potential. "Because of his nature I know he would have been somebody with difficulty in a normal classroom," she said. "I didn't want that to happen, if he wasn't reaching his full potential, that's the worst feeling as a parent. Ms Mani said she found distance education to be more suitable as Nimai would absorb knowledge while he was fully alert.

"The other advantage is I get to spend a lot of time with him, which is really important," she said.

Mrs Cosgrove agreed, saying there were more benefits to home schooling than just the education. "It's the lifestyle, it's all about family unity, the children feel safe and cared for and that's going to help them grow up to be confident adults," she said.

"One of the big myths about home schooling is, 'what about university?' But they can get into university, there are different options." Another misconception was the socialisation of home schooled and distance education children. But Ms Mani said Nimai wasn't missing out on anything and interacted with kids on a weekly basis at music, gym and swim lessons and informal play dates with friends. He also meets up with other distance education students through the Brisbane School of Distance Education's regular enrichment days and sports days. Mrs Cosgrove said there were an increasing number of home schooling families on the Coast who met on a weekly basis to ensure the children had regular social interaction, they also organised frequent excursions.

c) What advantages of homeschooling and distance education do Mrs Cosgrove and Ms Mani mention in the article?

d) What two problems might homeschooled children face and how do Mrs Cosgrove and Ms Mani solve them?

e) There are some more advantages and disadvantages of homeschooling. Sort them out into two groups.

1. Homeschooling is one-on-one tutoring. Some studies have shown that in schools, the smaller the students-teacher ratio, the better the students learn.  Among other benefits, the students are helped individually, and teachers ensure that all students master a basic skill or concept before going to a more advanced one. 

1. Parents who are not qualified to teach could limit the scope of a child’s knowledge. If a parent is well educated, he or she may understand some subjects really well but others not as well. For instance, a kid's mom may be great at chemistry but not as good at English.

1. Homeschooling tailors learning to specific children’s educational needs. Parents are able to assess their kids’ strength, weaknesses, leaning styles and interests.   Homeschooling allows parents to customize their children's education to maximize learning, strengthen weaknesses and allow focus on special areas of interest or giftedness.  This makes kids highly motivated to learn, and thus results in kids developing a love for learning.

1. Homeschooled kids tend to think more independently. They are also unlikely to follow the ideas of a group without first making up their own minds. College students who were homeschooled express that they feel more mature than their dorm mates, because they know how to think for themselves and aren’t influenced as readily by peer pressure.

1. A kid who's homeschooled doesn't have the convenience of school facilities, such as a gymnasium, science lab, or art studio. The child may be taught at the kitchen table or at a "school" area in the home. He or she might do science experiments in the kitchen or go outside to work on an art project.

1. Homeschooling eradicates boredom. Since learning is specifically tailored to individuals, it make them put consistent effort into learning.  Also, kids do not have to waste time on what they already mastered while other kids are catching up.

1. Homeschooling makes kids work for the knowledge, instead of grades.

1. Homeschooling provides a safe learning environment. Children who are homeschooled are not exposed to teasing, bullying, negative peer pressure, bad influences, and in some cases, bad or even misbehaving teachers.

1. Kids may not get education that is well-rounded, and the knowledge learned may be confined to the biases of the parents.  Kids may not able to explore other beliefs and points of view.  This can develop close-mindedness in children.

1. Homeschoolers may miss the inspiration provided by the occasional great teacher.  How many great men were influenced by mentors other than their parents?

2. Have a class discussion. Would you like to get home education? Why / Why not?

DISTANCE LEARNING

1. Discuss in pairs or small groups.

• Do you think that computers will replace a real classroom with a teacher in the future?

• Does face-to-face communication with a teacher important for a learner?

• Have you ever taken an on-line course? If yes, did you find it effective?

• Would you like to take an on-line course in the future? Why / Why not?

2 a) Sort out the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning.

A.Less Interruption of Daily Life B.Lack of the ‘College Spirit’ C.Isolation D. Flexibility E.Affordability F. Convenience G. Indirect Contact with Professors H.Limited Course Options

b) Read the article about distance learning from the Internet magazine and match the headlines with the paragraphs.

Home » Student Tips » Distance Learning Pros and Cons

STUDENT TIPS

TUESDAY, APRIL 15TH, 2014

Distance Learning Pros and Cons

There’s nothing quite like the comforts of home, even when it comes to getting an education. The age of the internet has transformed the way we do a lot of things, includingthe way we learn. It’s now possible to get a diploma or earn a degree without leaving the house, and in spite of job or family commitments.While this scenario sounds great, it’s always advantageous to look at both sides of the coin before choosing the right path for you.

Advantages of Distance Learning

1._______

The time and energy saved through distance education can be astronomical. Avoiding a hectic commute and the trouble of trying to make it to class on time can help keep your mind free of stress and anxiety. When the weather turns bad, forget about fighting the elements, just turn on the coffee pot. If you live in a remote area, choosing distance education can mean living in your own home in comfortable surroundings instead of packing up and moving to an unfamiliar place.

2._______

With distance education, you’ll be able to study at your own pace and do course work at a time that fits with your busy life. You are the master of your own schedule and can choose to stay up late if you’re a nighthawk, or hit the books early if you’re a morning person.

3._______

Distance education allows you to continue your full or part-time work schedule or even look after a family or other commitments while you earn a degree, diploma or certificate. You’ll have the best of both worlds, without too much of an interruption to your daily routine.

4.________

Tuition for on-campus courses is usually more expensive than for distance learning courses. This is understandable since a physical location must be maintained and faculty must be paid. With distance education, you’ll also save money on commuting or paying for a residence within the vicinity of the school. If you want an education but have to live within a budget, this option could be financially feasible for you.

Disadvantages of Distance Learning 5.________

The classroom setting creates an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. As is the case with some who work from home, students who are isolated may find it difficult to be self-disciplined enough to complete the course requirements. Face to face interaction with other students creates a learning environment with social interaction and a network of support.

6. _______

Often, a teacher is a lot more than someone who just dispenses facts and figures. Many students benefit greatly from direct contact with a professional instructor who adds personal experience, valuable guidance and, last but not least, motivation and encouragement to succeed in their studies.

7. _______

Many feel that post-secondary education should be an ‘experience’ which includes more than just classroom learning. Distance education lacks the on-campus atmosphere and ‘college experience’ that for some is one of the main reasons for attending. In fact, in some views there is still a stigma attached to distance education.

8. _______

There is an increasing variety of courses available through distance education, however, there are some programs that still require in-class work such as hands-on practical applications and experimentation, etc.If you’re a highly driven, self-disciplined person with a busy personal schedule who likes to work on your own, distance education could be for you. However, if you’re a social person who thrives in the structured environment of a classroom with face-to-face interaction, you might decide that regular learning is a better fit for you. Either way, you can pursue higher education and reach your goals.

c) Read the article again and say who distance learning is suitable for.

d) Is distance learning suitable for you? Why do you think so?

3 a) Read the forum entries. The participants discuss the question: “Will computers replace teachers in the future?” Which of them answer positively?

wisteraln I believe whole-heartedly that teachers should be replaced by computers. This is from experience. By watching online videos, I have gained so much insight in math, it's become fun learning it again. I believe that there should be mentors there in classrooms in case a student needs physical help but the main source of learning should be from a video source of a really good teacher/explainer of the subject. That way, the system can be unified and there won't be unfair teachers/problems/standard problems/etc. :)

zakk I personally have received a lot of free classes at free-ed.com, including classes that I have yet to take. I am a Sophomore in high school, taking enriched geometry, but I already have a thorough understanding of the basic in trigonometry. I also take classes that I am currently in, and I have found that in every class, I learn as much, if not more, that what my teachers teach.

Hidell Many aspects of our educational system are outmoded. For example, the practice of giving lectures at university is really a relic of the Middle Ages when the technology of printing had not yet been invented. There is rarely any real need for lectures nowadays except when the lecturer is presenting material so distinctive that it does not exist anywhere in book form. For 95% of lectures given in the higher education system today, written material, accessed either in printed form or online, would be preferable. It would be better if students were responsible for their own education through personal study in online texts. There should be a teacher available to offer advice if needed but the fact that all education is given in a collective classroom context simply holds back the more able students and brings them down to the level of the lowest common denominator.

Mrmoppy1 No way! Teachers are a vital part of our economy. If we were to replace teachers with computers, millions of jobs would be lost and the recession would deepen even more. Children's grades would also fall dramatically, as they could easily cheat and get away with it. Students need teachers as they can tailor lessons to specific classes needs and give feedback on work. Computers cannot have compassion, interest or any other emotion to a student.

luigi123 Computers have all the information. Whenever you are sick, you can still learn, by using the computer at home. In addition, computers can remember things and teachers could forget stuff. Also, teachers often get stressed from teaching naughty kids.

computerz  If students were to learn from computers, they would just cheat and do something else because the computer can do nothing about it. Also, students would go on game websites or go on inappropriate websites.

K9 When computers are capable of giving feedback on errors, of inspirational and improvisational thought, and of disciplining students to keep them focused on the task, then they will replace teachers.

Professor Although technology is a wonderful teaching tool, I do not believe that a computer could ever replace a teacher. I believe that teachers should be better trained to use the technology in the classroom. Computers do not have that human element that students need to learn. Computers do not care about the student's personal problems or learning disabilities. Teachers are needed to help and guide students. They nurture the student and offer praise. Therefore, I do believe that technology is a great tool in the classroom; it will never replace a real teacher. Teachers and technology together are the best way to teach today's students.

b) Find the arguments you agree with and read them aloud.

c) Have a class debate “Will computers replace teachers in the future?” Use the linking words and phrases below.

Starting out

In my opinion …

In my view …

I believe …

I suppose …

As far as I’m concerned …

Personally speaking, …

As I see it …

Giving details

An example of this …

One reason for this is …

This may sound rather confusing. Let me explain.

I feel I should point out that …

You might be interested to know that …

I must stress that …

I feel strongly that …

Accepting sb’s idea

I find it a very convincing argument.

I’d like to support …’s point of view about …

I agree whole-heartedly with what … said.

That’s just what I think.

I go along with that point of view.

In addition to this, …

Accepting sb’s idea but not convinced

These are all important points, however / on the other hand …

Many people say … However …

It is true that … Nevertheless, …

I don’t find it a very convincing argument.

That is a good point but …

Expressing disagreement

I’m afraid I can’t agree with / that …

I can hardly imagine that …

I cannot believe that …

We are led to believe that … However, in reality …

I would seriously doubt whether …

4. Take part in the forum discussion “Will computers replace teachers in the future?” and write your own opinion.

5 a) Read the article about Virtual High School. What skills can students practice there?

Expand Your World

Liz Pape, President & CEO*

Imagine classrooms without walls, where students are working in online classes with students from other states and countries, learning exciting curriculum, fully engaged in their learning, and learning at a pace that meets their educational needs. Imagine students working together, on team projects and group activities, learning online collaboration skills, learning information literacy skills, multimedia presentation skills – in short, the skills needed by knowledge and collaboration workers of the 21st century. Imagine students communicating with one another, transcending the barriers of time and place, gaining global citizenry skills, and becoming part of a community of learners who not only are gaining new curriculum knowledge, but are also gaining knowledge of cultures and citizens outside of their face-to-face classroom community.What you are imagining is the reality of the Virtual High School Global Consortium.

The VHS vision for online education is based upon providing students with online classroom experiences that not only teach course content, but also develop students’ information literacy and global citizenry skills. Over the years, we have developed online course and teaching standards to achieve our goal of a high quality online education program that expands schools’ offerings to students.

Effective online courses are engaging, build student confidence in their learning, and lead to student achievement.

The world is your classroom with VHS. We unite teachers and students from a variety of social, economic, and geographic backgrounds to study and collaborate with one another in a virtual learning environment. For example, a student in North America partners with a classmate in Asia to complete a project, and logs on to look over the assignment that their teacher in another time zone posted earlier in the day.

While the differences in locations are clear, these individuals are joined by a mutual desire to know more about a specific subject, to meet international peers and to work in tandem online to learn about the material, and about one another. 

Students and teachers in a global class may come from wealthy suburban communities, remote rural areas, and inner city schools. They can be in different regions of the world and speak several languages, or they may be in neighboring communities, districts or states yet still provide the varied discussions that come from a wide-range of ideologies and viewpoints.

What makes a successful global learning environment?

To be truly successful in a global classroom, students must actively participate in collaborative projects and have: 

• Respect for different ideas, cultures and opinions

• A desire to learn from others around the world

• An open-mind accepting of critique

• Critical thinking and analytical skills

Why is it so important?

A global classroom can easily be a microcosm of a world that students will know beyond high school. It can provide diverse interpretations, worldly perceptions, fervent debate, enthusiastic ideas and international points of view.

This type of teamwork leads to more than just a grasp of the content. The unique perspectives, characterized by assorted locale and societies, are seldom found in a traditional classroom. Global learning can offer regional, political and cultural insights that provide the basis for thought provoking discussions and an education that reaches far beyond a student’s hometown. It better prepares students to communicate effectively and productively in an international economy.

*CEO (Chief Executive Officer) – главный исполнительный директор

b) Discuss in small groups. What advantages does VHS have over a face-to-face classroom?

c) Watch the video, in which Gary L. shares his experience in being one of VHS students. What advantages of studying with VHS does he mention?

http://thevhscollaborative.org/?selected=1011#video

d) Would you like to be a student of a school like VHS? Why / Why not? Give a short speech.