There have been several recent posts about problem based learning, where I
sense there is a tug between those who feel that it ought to stimulate
learners, but often apparently has the opposite effect, and those who know
that there is no general solution to lack of student motivation because
everything is highly dependent on so many contextual factors [including
variable human attributes].  Indeed, if one were to analyse this more
deeply, one would hardly be able to pin down what "good motivation" is
anyway.  We all know many students who slog their way through, though
seemingly unmotivated by the subject, and others who appear to be very keen
but dont bother with "the work".

What do do?  Be realistic.  But in order to achieve a degree of realism as
teachers, I strongly believe it is necessary to go back to being a learner
again.  Not just a lifelong learner, ie not just someone who learns
independently as things need to be learned in everyday life, but a learner
in a structured environment where stuff just has to be done, ie learning
discipline has to be self-imposed.

I started the post by wanting to recommend our course in Online Education &
Training.  I have got slightly - but not totally - sidetracked.  But I
would still like to suggest that people who want to be a learner again,
and/or people who would like to test out e-learning as students, would find
it a very interesting and valuable experience.  It is international, so
there is UK as well as global peer discussion.

It is a long established course that has now been restructured to run both
10 weeks online from 28 January 2005 – 7 April 2005,
and by
5 weeks blended mode 25 April -27 May, 2005.
Content is the same in both, and the course carries 20 credits that can be
taken into either an Advanced Diploma in Professional Studies or a Master's.

 For full details and application form, visit:
 http://www.ioe.ac.uk/english/oet.htm

 Enquiries to the London office:
 [log in to unmask]
using for reference the subject header: OET
Places are limited – deadline for applications is 15 November 2004

Anita
-----------
Anita Pincas, Senior Lecturer,
Lifelong Education and International Development [LEID}
Institute of Education,
20 Bedford Way
University of London
London WC1H 0AL

Tel +44 0207 612 6522
Tel +44 0207-286-5324 {home}
Personal Web page <http://www.ioe.ac.uk/english/Apincas.htm>

Short course: Online Education and Training
Full details and application form:
<http://www.ioe.ac.uk/english/OET.htm>