Difference between SLE-Math and the traditional way of learning
In this article I would like to offer a solution such that today’s learners are more self-motivated and enthusiastic towards learning. As formerly stated, today’s learners expect an educational program that offers instantaneous solutions to questions, a personal learning map, capability for digital follow-up and assessments to determine strengths and weaknesses. Though it is somewhat difficult to find this kind of educational system, it is one that is able to thoroughly prepare students to better handle the learning process and to be more effective while having fun.
Many years ago, one of the English teachers at Superkids e-Tutoring center, Helen Siour bas, now an English professor at Champlain College in St-Lambert said that when she was interviewed for a teaching position, she was often asked how she could teach English using a computer. At one point, she was able to teach up to seven or eight students, all in different levels. Therefore, if the power of e-tutoring works for learning languages, it can easily be replicated for learning math as well.
A digital e-learning program can usually be classified into two categories – synchronous learning and asynchronous learning. In the synchronous learning process, instructors and students must be present at the same time either in the same class or in the same teleconference. On the other hand, most distant education programs like e-courses are asynchronous learning where students learn from pre-recorded CDs, videos ore-mails. You can better understand the differences through the following table.
Now, I would like to present to you the e-learning method of SLE-Math (short for Superkids e-Learning Edsystem - Math), proven to be the most effective method today. Several years ago, I presented this idea in a workshop to a professor and 20 graduate students from the educational technology in Concordia University and showed them what e-learning in practice looks like.
This learning method combines the synchronous, asynchronous, traditional and e-learning method. The same software platform can be applied to run SLE-physics, chemistry or biology. This powerful e-learning method has been applied for over 20 years and has received countless testimonials. Many criterions can be used to compare today’s learning method from the traditional way such as being able to provide instantaneous solutions to tests, containing a complete curriculum and learning many topics in a short amount of time. Below is a complete table comparing these two methods.
There are actually a few assessments internationally that evaluate education systems and their effectiveness. One of these studies is the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), launched by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1997 (http://www.oecd.org/pisa/). This study tests the competencies of 15-year-olds from over 70 countries in math, science and reading. Another study is the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) (http://www.timss.com/), which assesses fourth graders and eighth graders in science and mathematics. Countries are then ranked according to the scores of the students. In 2011, over 60 countries participated in the study. These studies are done approximately once every three years and in general, most Asian countries rank near the top.
However, despite these students regularly receiving high ranking achievements, they always had low scores in the interest index and self-confidence index. The reason for this big contrast is due to the learning and testing by innumerable, repetitive exercises (a standard teacher-centered, behaviorist learning method). When students are forced to learn through the mechanical, robot-like practices, they will be bored and lose interest and motivation. Therefore, in order to raise interest and motivation, self-satisfaction must be met by exploring new subjects and allowing them to reach their potential (a learner-centered, cognitive-strategy or constructivist learning method).
Change is the only way to prevent all of us from becoming victims of the traditional way of learning so that we can promote a life-long learning mind-set. It is therefore not surprising to see so many home schools or private schools in North America. As e-tutoring educators, our mission statement is to help students learn mass information easier while having fun and building aright learning and self-motivated attitude. It is also our goal to inform parents and students alike of this powerful Ed-system such that confidence may be built, greater appreciation for learning experienced and inspiration created.
When one doesn't want to learn, where is the problem? Is it the teacher, the subject or the student?
Finding the problem is one thing, how do you resolve it? Does the SLE reflect a good relationship between all three of the previously mentioned?
