New directions in vocational education

(by Alan Rumney)

 

Open Learning

Definitions of "open learning" are many and varied. This is partly because a wide range of open learning systems has developed from a variety of origins. These systems have then been adapted to suit the needs of particular learning centres. However, a generally accepted definition describes an open learning system as: "one which enables individuals to take part in programmes of study of their choice, no matter where they live or whatever their circumstances."

Open learning is a way of study which lets individuals learn: 1) what they wish, 2) in their own time, 3) in a place of their choice, 4) at a pace that suits them.

In many ways, open learning contrasts with traditional "closed" class or group-based systems. These require that enrolments take place at a set time, often at the start of the academic year. After enrolment the course lasts for a given length of time with regular, usually weekly or daily, group meetings. During these meetings, an important part of the tutor's role is to pass on knowledge of the subject to the learners. The tutor is in charge of the course. He or she decides what is to be studied and for how long. Generally we can think of this way of learning as a tutor-centred approach.

In a true open learning system, the learner can start a course whenever he or she wishes. There is no class to "keep up with" and so the speed of working entirely depends on the individual's wishes or personal circumstances. If study becomes difficult or even impossible for a time, the learner can stop working until ready to carry on again. There is no need, either, to travel to regular class meetings since the package of learning materials should contain all necessary information on the subject or skill being studied.

Unless there is a set examination syllabus, the learner can decide Which aspects of the subject he or she wishes to cover.

This does not mean that tutor or trainer help is no longer required. A few years ago some open learning enthusiasts believed that learning packages could stand alone without any further support. Very high drop-out rates strongly indicated that they were wrong. However, because the learner already has the subject material in the course package, the subject tutor's role is altered. He or she is no longer the main source of knowledge or information, but provides support, guidance and counselling for the learners as they work through the subject materials.

In general, an open learning approach is student-centred. The individual is in control of the content, pace and location of his or her learning process.

Assignments:

1. Find in the text the English for:

заочное обучение; отвечать потребностям; обстоятельства; со скоростью; установленное время; зачисление (прием); передавать знания; быть ответственным за что-л.; подход к обучению, где главное место отводится преподавателю и студенту; набор учебного материала; программа; существовать самостоятельно;

процент отсева; изменить; давать консультацию; главный источник чего-л.

2. Form the derivatives from:

to define, to learn, to develop, general, tradition, to require, to enrol, to inform, to examine, to train, to know.

3. Arrange A and В in pairs of synonyms:

A. varied, to suit the needs, to alter, to take part, to want, pace, to enrol, important, tutor, every week, to be in charge of, syllabus, to require, support, guidance, to continue. B. speed, weekly, to change, to carry on, counselling, to be responsible for, curriculum, to meet the needs, different, to admit, significant, to participate, to wish, teacher, to need, aid.

4. Arrange A and В in pairs of antonyms:

A. a tutor-centred approach, regular, to keep up with the class, right, pass on knowledge, to start a course, to accept, traditional (system), important, to acquire, to start, entirely. B. to get, to expel, alternative (system), to complete a course, to acquire knowledge, wrong, to fall behind the class, a student-centred approach, irregular, to finish, unimportant, partly.

5. Answer the following questions:

1) Why are there many definitions of "open learning"?

2) How does a generally accepted definition describe an open learning system?

3) Are there many differences between traditionaland open learning systems?

4) When does enrolment take place in traditional system?

5) What is the role of the teacher in traditional way of learning?

6) When can a learner start a course in a true open learning system?

7) What does the package of learning material usually contain?

8) In what way does teacher's role in open learning system differ from that of the trainer (tutor) in traditional system?

6. Compare the traditional way of learning with open learning.

7. Complete the dialogue between two people:

A. – Nowadays more and more I start thinking about improving my qualification, but what embarrasses me most of all is my age and the difficulty of returning to student life. В. – Oh, that mustn't bother you. You may take up any course you like at the Open University. I think you know about the advantages of open learning system...