Learning can be a joy
The '24/8 learning system' for first-year degree students at Stansfield College offers a more personalised approach
At Stansfield College, learning is not just about acquir- ing a qualification. It's meant to be an enjoyable pro- cess. After all, even top experts agree that learning can be fun. Four years ago, Stansfield College chairman Kannappan Chettiar challenged his faculty to make learning fun. They started in the Law School with the "24/8 learning system". The 24/8 learning system is based on the concept of the deschooling philosophy of education. According to the deschooling theory, the right to learn has been curtailed by the obligation to attend school.
"The future of education is about building good learners and deschooling theory is slowly making its way and is already being adopted through networked learning. That was why we wanted to re-examine the entire model of education. We discussed what would happen if we removed the teacher. If you bring a group of up to eight students with similar interests together, they can study on their own. What do you need the school for? That was the starting point, when we began to deschool ourselves," said Mr Chettiar.
Under the 24/8 learning system, the number of students in each lecture is capped at 24, while each discussion group comprises of just eight students.
"We found that students were paying thousands of dollars for private tuition outside of classes as they were nervous about sitting for a three-hour exam. We had highly-qualified lecturers but sometime stu- dents were intimidated by their presence and didn't feel comfortable asking these lecturers for help. We changed that by adding junior lecturers and tutors who were more approachable, and served as in-class mentors to the students," he added. In addition, the small discussion groups mean that everyone in class will get a chance to participate.
Other changes include a personalised teaching- monitoring programme for students to ensure that they understand the material, and a personalised as- sisted learning (PAL) system that involves one-to-one consultations.
Since its inception in 2007, the 24/8 system has proven a success and will be extended to all first-year diploma programmes this year. According to Mr Chet- tiar, since the system's implementation, pass rates for first-year students in the University of London pro- grammes offered at Stansfield College have jumped from 50 per cent to 80 per cent.
These changes have ensured Stansfield College's good standing in the local private education sector. It has been awarded the status of Singapore Quality Class for a Private Education Organisation and has received EduTrust certification from the Council of Private Education, run by the Ministry of Education.
"Among other things, the EduTrust certification instills a sense of trust to the general public and any prospective students, and validates the excellence ser- vice which Stansfield College provides," said graduate Michael-James Anstey, who has completed a Diploma in Law and is now a first-year student at the University of York in the United Kingdom.
The classes were thought-provoking and tutorials were conducted with just the right number of students to promote healthy and productive discussions.
Stansfield Diploma of Law graduate Michael-James Anstey (right), who is now a student at the University of York, UK
Michael had his first taste of the 24/8 system in 2009 and 2010. Before entering Stansfield, he found it difficult to learn in a large class, as he was sometimes unsure of the material and his studying approach. At Stansfield College, he received personalised attention that allowed him to enjoy the learning process and do well. "The classes were thought-provoking and tutorials were conducted with just the right number of students to promote healthy and productive discus- sions," said Michael.
"We had the opportunity to voice concerns and
If you bring a group of up to eight students with similar interests together, they can study on their own. What do you need the school for? That was the starting point, when we began to deschool ourselves.
Stansfield College chairman Kannappan Chettiar (left)
engage in class without being embarrassed. We also received more support. This ensured that no student was left behind when the going got tough. I honestly believe that if I had gone to a different institution, I would not have been able to score the marks I did.
"Since graduating, I have established myself with different legal practices here. The lessons and skills which I have acquired as a result of being with Stansfield have set me in the right direction in terms of a career, and I truly do owe a lot to the school." MELODY TAN
