Parents, employers and potential students (even adults) will often assume a school, college or university is going to do one thing for them while the institution itself is aiming to do something different.

Choose a learning style that suits
Everyone learns differently. Some people will learn better when information is presented visually, others orally, and others learn from doing things themselves (kinaesthetically).
All too often, people choose what and where to study based upon the “topic” they want to study, and the “visibility” of the course on offer. Most courses however are geared to deliver a learning experience in a style that better suits some class members than others.

Courses will use different methods of teaching, and some may suit you better than others. Teaching practice is generally defined into 5 main models. There are no definite boundaries between each of the models. No one model is regarded as superior to another.

Exposition Model
This approach is teacher-centred, whereby the teacher narrates and explains, and practice and revision is used to consolidate the learning. It is based on the traditional approach. It is not inflexible, but the narration, explanation, revision and practice are considered basic to effective teaching. Content focuses on traditional subjects, with a strong emphasis on the basic skills.
 
Behavioural Model
This model is based on well-structured steps of learning and the use of reinforcement.  This has been used in formal full-class teaching or face-to-face instruction. This approach is still teacher-directed. With modern technology and on line training techniques (like video conferencing), it is now possible to apply this model to distance education.
 
Cognitive Development Model
Here, the teacher creates a supportive atmosphere, selects tasks according to the student’s developmental level, and elicits the student's reasoning in relation to the tasks. This approach requires planning of steps, but emphasis is on student's reasoning. A number of cognitive approaches are examined within the context of this model. The pupil learns in a resource-rich situation by using reasoning to solve problems. Distance education allows each student to be treated as an individual, giving each student a selection of optional assignments from which to select, according to the level at which the student is capable.
 
Interaction Model
This model emphasises learning based on the student's interaction with other people and with society, i.e. personal interaction. This model works mostly in group situations. The focus is on social interaction. Content focuses on social-moral-cultural problems which produces self-aware people. There are many ways a student can interact with their teacher and other students, including in person, over the phone, by email, skype, and video conferencing. 
 
Transaction Model
This is a pupil-centred model involving a range of teacher structuring with which the self-directed student interacts. It is assumed that change (learning) results from those interactions.  The teacher functions more as a guide. Focus is the action (transaction) of the learner. This model is derived from progressive education and open learning. Distance education can work extremely well for this system.

Different schools suit different people. Some people learn fast, and others slow. Some can read something and remember it, while others need repetition to remember. Some will not remember what they read, no matter how many times they read it; but if they apply that information in a real life situation, they may remember it for life. Everyone learns differently. This is a fact that is understood and appreciated by educational psychologists. 

If you want to learn it is important that the school and style of learning is matched to the student. A distance education course may suit one person best for learning about horticulture, another may be better attending lectures at a university, and another may learn more by working alongside a gardener as a ‘hands on’ apprentice.
Not all university, vocational, or distance learning courses are the same either.

Any questions?