Getting to know your distance learning tutor
Distance learning offers a way to acquire new knowledge and skills while balancing existing professional or social commitments. That’s why an increasing number of people are choosing to study from home rather than attending their local college.
However, if you’re new to distance learning then you will probably notice clear differences when compared to your previous study experiences. Read on to find out more about how being a home study student differs.
Teacher or mentor?
We are all used to the school environment where teachers play a key role in keeping the class on track. If they feel that a pupil is underperforming they will take appropriate action to rectify the problem. They also set strict guidelines on when work should be completed: woe betide the student who fails to complete their homework without a cast iron excuse!
In distance learning, the role of the tutor is fundamentally different to that of a teacher or university lecturer. Instead of being responsible for shaping the home study experience, a distance learning tutor is more like an expert mentor or guide who is there to offer assistance and advice when needed. In essence, their role is to facilitate learning rather than to teach.
Help on hand when you need it
In distance learning the onus is on the student to be responsible for their progress and to ask for tutorial assistance as required. The tutor’s job is to mark and provide feedback on assignments and to offer clear, concise guidance as required and requested by the student.
If you come across any stumbling blocks then you need to speak out so that the tutor can step in to clarify the situation and get you back on track.
Work at your own pace
A distance learning tutor will let you set the pace at which you progress. They may make suggestions on when to submit assignments in order to complete the course within a certain time frame – usually 12 or 24 months depending on the subject area – but they won’t constantly be looking over your shoulder and telling you what to do and when.
The key to success in distance learning is to plan your own timetable that reflects your lifestyle and study preferences. This approach tends to work well for adult learners, as they are generally highly dedicated to their studies.
Phone or email?
Nowadays it is common to communicate with friends, colleagues and other important contacts almost or completely via email. In the same way, it’s possible to develop a trusted relationship with your distance learning tutor without ever needing to speak to them on the phone, although that option is always available for occasions when only a personal conversation will do.
Email allows you to ask questions at whatever time of the day or night you happen to be studying. The tutor can then respond with the right information and provide additional resources if needed.
You’re never alone
It can be helpful to think of your tutor as your expert backup, ready to swing into action whenever you need them. No matter how small the problem, you can be sure that you’re not the first person to raise a particular question, so you should never worry about ‘wasting their time’ or feeling ‘silly’ – just get in touch and ask for the help you need.