Cites:
Coleman, James A., and Concha Furnborough. "Learner Characteristics and Learning Outcomes on a Distance Spanish Course for Beginners." System: An International Journal of Educational Technology and Applied Linguistics 38.1 (2010): 14-29. ERIC. EBSCO. Web. 11 Apr. 2010.
This article focuses on the adult learner and the increase in distance learning. The characteristics of a successful student, taking a beginner Spanish language class through The United Kingdom’s Open University varies. While both “face -to -face learning” as well as “distance learning” had similar levels of enjoyment, most students felt they had progressed towards reaching their learning goals.
· 55% were age 30-49 yrs. old
· 20% were age 50-59 yrs. old
· Median age was 45 yrs. old
While basic social conversation is a good predictor of success, the following data also gave some insight into this study:
· Those who enjoy a language course were more motivated to excel & put more effort into their work.
· Self management and working independently play a major role.
· Good self -organization and study habits.
The purpose of this article was to show the data and research on how distance learning has increased and is growing rapidly among adult learners. This recent study, August 2009 is believed to be a factual indicator of the popularity of distance learning and the study by James A. Coleman has proved this trend.
I believe this article may provide encouragement and support to many adult students who may be reluctant to take a distance learning class. I myself am currently taking a distance learning class; Advanced Spanish Composition at the University of Akron and find it to be very interesting and helpful at this point of my education. I would have not been able to attend this class if it was not available through the distance learning center at the LCCC campus. I would apply this personal lesson to my future students and encourage anyone to try more than they think they could possibly do. I know I tried distance learning and I am very happy with the results.
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Yes, I think when students of any age enjoy what they are learning, they excel. In a distance learning class it is also very important to be well organized and self-disciplined to achieve success since the student does not have a structured classroom to go to.
ReplyDeleteDisipline is a critical thing wehn dealing with distance learnign classes. Becuase the student does not feel engaged, chattering, sleeping, other things start to distract the student from the teacher.
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