Often what holds many people back from retraining for a new career, or even a first career, is due to negative and discouraging experiences within traditional educational processes. Of course horror stories abound regarding high school, but many students just don't fit into mainstream post secondary education with the emphasis on large classrooms. Even computer/skilled classes, although limited to approximately 30 students (one per computer) can still be too daunting to provide an encouraging learning environment.
Grade Learning Provides a Unique Personalized Approach to Training
Enter in Private Colleges/Trade Schools. While still certified and approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, private colleges usually provide smaller and more personal training. However, through the myriad of choices, one truly stands out as the epitome of FOR the student, for the love of passing on the love of learning, and not for the profit. Where a detailed program is designed based on how the individual student learns. The program is able to be implemented as class sizes are limited to 4-6 students, and intake is often geared to the student, not a semester based on the season.
Grade Learning, with locations across Ontario (Canada), opened its first location in 1995 in Mississauga, but all locations follow the same principles of true adult education learning. "After the age of 17 it has been found that we learn differently than when we are children" states Lisa Taylor, Director with Grade Learning. "Large classes and lecture-style formats may help get many people through a program – but it is not an ideal environment for adult learners, especially those that are already dealing with other significant barriers, changes and stresses."
Small Classes, Individual Attention Ensures Students Learn, Without Embarrassment of Saying "Don't Understand"
Too often adult students are afraid to ask questions, or afraid to say they don't understand something, as they've often been ridiculed or embarrassed for their lack of grasping new concepts or technology. Classes are small to encourage trust and respect "..because adults need to actively participate in their own learning – and teachers need to ensure no one is being left behind because they don’t want to admit they don’t understand something." Instructors will not proceed to the next lesson for each student until that student fully understands the lesson. By allowing each student to fully participate and take responsibility for their own learning, students find more meaningful learning and more long term retention. Cramming for a test is a method of the past here!
The How-to of Appropriate Team Work for the Real Working World
Ms. Taylor is passionate about what Grade Learning provides students. "We use facilitated lessons because workplaces require teams to solve problems together, and employees need to have confidence and participate with their teams. We ensure our students complete independent work each day so that when they are on the job and have to apply what they have learned, they are comfortably working on their own – and know when it is appropriate to ask for help." This is a welcome change from most post-secondary classes, where team work is a requirement but no training on HOW to perform team work is provided - just group assignments.
Specialized Training and High School Credit Achievement also Provided
Note that Grade Learning also provides specialized training, upgrading skills, tutoring, and is authorized for ESL and even high school credits.
Adult students considering a career change but afraid of training should definitely check out Grade Learning diplomas. Or call the number listed on the website for a personal consultation. Grade Learning accommodates those with reading, learning or language barriers for whatever reason, while providing step by step help along the path to success. More importantly though, is that true adult education principles are applied, with trust and respect as the foundation for learning.
Reference:
- Personal communication/emails with Lisa Taylor, Director, Grade Learning - Mississauga, Kitchener and Stoney Creek campuses
- Grade Learning Website
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
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