We live in a golden age of self-directed education. Where motivated students once had to entomb themselves in libraries to drink from the font of knowledge, now those thirsty for learning merely need to plug into the web to uncover the secrets of the universe in text, audio, and video formats. Whether you want to know how to change a light switch, fold a cloth napkin into a swan, or solve systems of equations, you’ll have no problem finding free tutorials on that exact topic.
Why, then, do we still have schools?
While we all tend to get excited about unfettered access to free learning resources, we all still prize–and patronize–teachers, tutors, and coaches. Why pay premiums to attend superior high schools or colleges and dole out additional sums to educational, athletic, and artistic coaches when brand name schools offer free courses online?
Obviously, we continue to prioritize live education because excellent teachers, tutors, and coaches provide so much more than simply content and strategy instruction. I was recently reminded of this profound distinction by a parent who was (understandably) thrilled by her daughter’s near-perfect ACT score after working with one of our tutors:
Thank you so much; both my daughter and I think you were of immense help in her preparations. Working with you helped her to have a plan to prepare for these exams and helped her to show her best self.
She says you:
…held her to a schedule, in a good way
…helped her focus on things that needed to be focused on
…explained things she needed to understand better
…helped her build confidence
…didn’t make her feel dumb when she got something wrong
…provided good encouragement
…were incredibly pleasant and kind to work with!I echo those thoughts!
Note how this praise completely ignores the intensive math, reading, and grammar instruction, advanced solution strategies, and test management tips the tutor taught and reinforced in every session?
In a world with instant access to information, most learners still need–and want–to learn from others. Even those capable of comprehending high level subject matter or strategies still benefit immensely from working with skilled educators. The best coaches provide invaluable organization, motivation, and support along with all that subject matter expertise. Digital media may deliver all the formulas, rules, and tips you could want, but if you’re looking for the human touch, you have no choice but to work with humans!
Mike Bergin