Everyone is unique. Hence, it is logical to expect that not every student learns and retains information taught to them similarly. Some high school students have other commitments outside school, which can lead to distractions in class. Self-paced learning or Self-directed learning is an independent style of learning that takes place online, and it allows students to study through the course materials like in conventional traditional classroom settings, but at their own pace. Simply put, in self-paced learning, students choose when to study, what to study, how to study, and how long study-time they should devote to different subjects, depending on their difficulty.
Yet, according to a recent survey by Pew Research, 65% of teen students say they prefer in-person learning to self-paced learning in alternative high school environments. If you are considering enrolling for self-paced alternative high school diploma programs but are not sure how they will benefit you, here are some of the most important self-paced learning benefits alternative schooling offers.
Flexible Schedule
The most significant benefit of studying in a self-paced learning environment is that it allows students to balance their academic life with other commitments, such as family responsibilities, extracurricular activities, or part-time jobs. In a traditional classroom setting, students are often required to show up regularly to class, participate in class discussions and collaborative work, and adhere to a fixed schedule and pace set by the teacher. However, in self-paced environments, students have the autonomy to progress through their learning curriculum and create their learning schedules to meet their learning speed, style, preferences, and needs. An added advantage to this flexible educational structure is that students can master and understand concepts they learn faster.
Increased Engagement and More Knowledge Retention
While a teacher-student conventional classroom setting has its merits, one of its biggest drawbacks is students may become more passive recipients of knowledge. Simply put, students engage in listening and reading activities, but may not internalize the subject information. Luckily, research has shown that when students can take ownership of their learning process and progress at their own pace, they are more likely to be actively engaged in their studies due to the small size of the class and the curriculum designed to cater for their needs.
Self-paced environments allow students to explore topics of interest, set personal goals, and take responsibility for their academic success. As a result, students are more motivated to participate in learning activities, complete assignments, and strive for mastery of course content.
More than this, engaging in their studies can also build their practical time management skills and accountability. Students learn the importance of prioritizing assessments, setting goals, and managing their time effectively to make progress in their studies by sticking to the learning schedule they created for themselves. Discipline and time management skills aren’t only necessary for studying but also useful life and professional skills.
It Reduces Learning Stress and Pressures
When students are compared to their peers, it may have a negative mental impact on them, leading to low self-esteem and constant fear of failure. Besides this, some students assimilate and internalize information faster than others, which could cause them to struggle to keep up academically.
Self-directed learning allows students to learn and assimilate course contents without feeling stressed, inadequate, or pressured. It reduces the pressure of learning at the pace set by teachers in a regular school.
It is Cost-Effective
Alternative high school environments that promote self-paced learning often rely on digital platforms and online learning resources. What this means is unlike in traditional classrooms, where students are required to pay for textbooks, structural maintenance of the school and specialized laboratory equipment, self-paced learning does not incur costs for educational materials or infrastructural costs.
Self-paced learning allows students to access educational materials, lectures, and assignments online with ease. Plus, it eliminates the need for commuting to and from school or accommodation expenses. Thus, students can save money on transportation costs and potentially reduce the need for housing expenses if they can study from home.
Accessible Anywhere, Any Day
Another key benefit of self-paced learning is you can access learning materials and lectures from any part of the world, whether you are travelling or at home, with an internet connection. More than this, self-paced learning platforms are typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing students to engage with course materials at any time that suits their schedule. This way, students with diverse schedules, including those who work part-time, have family responsibilities, or prefer to study during non-traditional hours can learn conveniently, whether it is early in the morning, late at night, or on weekends.
Final Thoughts
Traditional classroom learning may work for some but may not be what you need if you want to learn at your own pace. So, take the first step to freedom of self-paced learning in an alternative school environment today! Register for alternative high school diploma programs specifically designed to suit your academic preferences, regardless of your age or learning capacities.