One size does NOT fit all?

Have you heard about fast-tracked education?

Some colleges today allow people to complete apprenticeships, certificates and even degrees, faster. The idea is appealing – complete your qualification in a fraction of the time and get out into the workforce quicker. It seems like the future of learning. But does it work for everyone?

A Reality Check

We live in a world that’s all about speed. We can stream movies in seconds and communicate instantly across the globe. But when it comes to the human mind, things aren’t quite as quick. Despite all the advances in technology, we still have the same number of neurons in our brains as we did centuries ago. Sure, some people may have a higher or lower IQ, and some individuals learn faster or slower than others. But fundamentally, our brains process information in their own time.

This reality check means it’s crucial to understand that we’re all a bit different. That quantity, quality and speed of learning varies from person to person. What works for one student might not work for another, and that’s alright. It is, however, where the traditional classroom model starts to show its cracks.

An Equal Right to Education

Human rights tell us that everyone should have an equal opportunity to education. That sounds straightforward enough. However, looking to put it to practice somewhat changes things.

It’s a simplistic view to assume that everyone can be placed in the same classroom, learning the same material at the same speed and this passes as an equal opportunity to education. In reality, this one-size-fits-all approach leaves many students behind and causes others to feel unnecessarily held back.

True equality in education isn’t about making sure everyone is sitting in the same classroom at the same time. It’s about offering choice. It’s about giving students the ability to learn in a way that works for them. And that means considering various modes of learning - whether it’s online, classroom-based, face-to-face or a blended approach that combines the best of all worlds.

Sometimes a Classroom Education Just Doesn’t Work

In a traditional classroom, information is dispensed at a set rate. Some students may struggle to keep up, while others might find the pace far too slow. If a student doesn’t grasp a concept as quickly as the rest of the class, they risk being left behind. On the flip side, those who understand the material faster can end up waiting around, twiddling their thumbs, feeling frustrated or disengaged.

This imbalance is why so many students, after years of struggling in a traditional classroom setting, have thrived in the more flexible environment of distance learning. We’ve seen it time and time again over the past four decades – students who once felt overwhelmed or stuck in a classroom environment have found new confidence and success when given the chance to study at their own pace.

For those who need more time, distance learning allows them to revisit material as often as needed, ensuring they don’t miss key concepts. Conversely, for those who learn quickly, distance learning allows them to fast-track their studies without feeling restricted by the pace of a class.

Classrooms Don’t Suit Everyone

It’s important to recognise that classrooms don’t suit everyone. But neither does distance learning. Some people thrive in a structured, face-to-face classroom environment where they can interact with teachers and peers. Others find it overwhelming, preferring the self-paced, independent study that distance learning offers.

The key takeaway is that to get the best results from education, it’s not just about which subject or qualification you’re pursuing – it’s about finding the learning mode that works for you. Whether it’s the flexibility of distance education, the structure of a classroom or a hybrid of the two, understanding your personal learning style and optimal pace is essential for achieving the best outcome for you and your future.

If you’re not sure which learning style is right for you, why not get some free advice? We can help you choose the best mode of study to suit your individual needs.

Education should be about choice, not a race.