5 Key Benefits of Face-to-Face Learning
During the height of the pandemic, online learning became a necessity and the ‘new norm’, allowing student life to continue the best it could. Whilst there certainly are many benefits to online learning, we believe that the benefits of face-to-face learning are far-reaching. Let’s look at 5 of these benefits.
1. Real-time interaction
Learning new things is exciting as it is challenging. When you are truly engaged in the learning process you will have questions or the need for someone to show you how it’s done, on the spot. To have real-time interaction with your teacher and classmates means you can understand better, and faster. This fluid process of receiving new information and digesting it through engaged interaction is as rewarding as it is growthful.
2. Less room for distraction
Most of us have engaged in some form of online learning by now, and have most likely done this from home or a public space. We are distracted by our pets, family members/partners or noisy strangers, household chores, the need to make food, construction next door and the list goes on. When you are engaged in face-to-face learning you are way more inclined to get involved in learning conversation, note taking and activity completion. Your time is much more focused. Studies have shown that the completion rate of teacher-led classes is almost 5x higher than that of online learning.
3. Build new relationships
Remote learning for longer periods of time can get lonely or boring. Human beings thrive in spaces in which they can interact over a common topic, share ideas, and build relationships. This is especially true for international students arriving in Australia. Attending classes that offer face-to-face learning offers the opportunity for foreign students to make new friends with people who are also far away from home. This is important for both the learning process and adapting positively to a new environment.
4. Improve your language & communication skills
When engaging in real-time with the teacher and other students you will be improving your language and communication skills for your future career, but also for your personal life. Face-to-face learning teaches students how to work in a team environment, with others from different backgrounds and walks of life. Again, these are especially important skills for international students to develop in a place like Australia.
5. Accountability and responsibility
With face-to-face learning, you don’t have the option to say, “I’ll just watch the class and do the work later”. You have a set time to be at class and it’s your responsibility to manage your time correctly to be at that class. Having to physically go into class holds you accountable and teaches students about responsibility. When you have built a relationship with your teacher and peers you will also feel obligated to contribute and pull your weight in your assessments and group activities. These skills will be essential when entering the workplace.
