AI Solutions: Do you value education?

AI Solutions: Do you value education?: We have to assume that you will say yes to that question . For those of you studying now either in the school system or the adult educa...

Do you value education?

We have to assume that you will say yes to that question. For those of you studying now either in the school system or the adult education system, the changes made to produce a more robust practice should be appreciated, it gives us more choice - or does it?

An EU shake up of the exam system across member states has meant changes are being introduced in each individual country. Qualifications in the UK are not necessarily recognised in other countries, proof of study hours contribute to subject strength but because systems vary so much there has been no common ground. Entering a university in the EU may be challenged depending on the subject, how long the course was and what qualifications you actually have.

Although most qualifications can be valued against others, up until recently the watering down of UK exams has resulted in people being turned away from study elsewhere. The controversy between marking bodies has also raised questions, with Edexcel and AQA being in the firing line.

The GCSE of the future will not be modular but a two year course, with no opportunity to re-do elements to ensure a higher grade, which can only be a good thing, after all if you can do 1/5 of an exam and find it to be lacking, to retake this and be marked again kind of guarantees a good grade but it does not demonstrate that learning has taken place.

Unfortunately it has left confusion for students and unclear practices for providers. Having some recent experience of several processes the rift is huge. To take a City and Guilds course now you would have a more heavy weight qualification than if you had the same course a year ago, course numbers have changed and the original courses have a lower points value, to take a degree you need an accumulation of points. A C&G course from 4 or more years ago however is of better value.

However if you do not know about the points system and the change then you could spend hundreds of pounds on a course that has half of the points value compared to spending the same money on the modernised version.

Then we move onto BTEC, the schools offer this as an option for students that are below par for GCSE, as a standalone qualification it attracts a point value, however, if you choose a specialist subject then there is no point value at all. This tends not to happen in schools and colleges as they have a specific choice of subjects and they are generalised.

If you choose to take a BTEC as a one off course from a provider with a tailor made subject then you will have no equivalent value, which is of no use if you wish to continue education, some providers will accept the certificate to show how many hours of work you have devoted to the subject but it would not be enough to move into degree level.

You can approach any of the providers with a course, if approved, which did mean covering modular elements then a licence to deliver this course will be issued, at a price, it means no other provider can offer this ocurse, which in itself limits it. So if you wish to have your BTEC in washing up approved and it meets the criteria, then you need to find a group of people to sell to who are all interested enough in washing up to pay, devote time and energy and spread the word, so someone with lots of connections is a good start. It is however useful within an organisation to be sure your staff has covered all of the elements of working practice, they have a certificate called BTEC which is a modern day CPD certificate which became unpopular and stigmatised.

If wish to use the points towards other study then you will be disappointed, recently described as a modern emperors new clothes, specialist one off courses are pretty boxes with no content, so for enjoyment purposes you know it has reached the minimum standard for a stand alone subject, for academic purposes the hours spent studying, which is defined by the governing body is your route to something with more substance, if the provider is satisfied.

The same applies to degree courses, there has been a shake up of degrees available, leaning back to the academic process, having a degree approved in another country will only have a value in the circle of subject, the value will not always transfer elsewhere. You could have a degree approved in the US, if a university is willing it can also be delivered and awarded in the UK but again it will not necessarily be recognised outside of the arena for which it is currently accepted.

The step appears to be changes to A level, and to be honest being a school leaver of the 1980's the exam system was much more rigid, however pupils could opt out and go to work, now the leaving age is 18 instead of 16, a minimum level is expected, careers and a job for life is no longer the norm, staying in education is attractive because the option for the average student is less than appealling, however if everyone moves into higher education who will pay the taxes the country needs?

So perhaps the answer is to be a provider of a one of specialist subject find some people to cosy into the study group, they can claim a student grant and the course provider can make a living.....

AI Solutions: Are you addicted to your phone?

AI Solutions: Are you addicted to your phone?: When you leave the house, do you check for your keys and your wallet, do you also check for that other essential, your phone? If you ...

Are you addicted to your phone?

When you leave the house, do you check for your keys and your wallet, do you also check for that other essential, your phone? If you do you are not alone, the mobile phone has gone from being a luxury to the must have assesory to an essential item. Have your ever started a journey and realised you left your phone behind so have gone back for it even though you know you will now be late, there is something about knowing we can be contacted at all times and to know that we can make contact if needed. Often making excuses for this.

'I'm sorry I'm late I had to go back for my phone' would be greeted by a nod of heads and murmurs of understanding, I think I left the oven on or the cat wouldn't come in, to the person involved equally important but the appreciation from your peers just isn't there. So why do we love our phone so much?

Budget Blues

Lots of money? No money?

Money makes us happy - doesn't it?

Apparently not as happy as we might like to think, money can get us out of trouble and give us breathing space, but then what. If you won £1million what would you spend it on, would it burn a hole in your pocket, will it buy you happiness will it change your life forever.

Our lives are not dictated by money even though for most of us we can't help but feel it would help, but if you are in debt money becomes more than a wish, but a desperate need instead. However would a windfall change your spending patterns, maybe but unlikely.


Ther chances of winning the lottery are so low, but can you have a better financial future without it?

Oh yes

http://www.aicoachingsolutions.com/budget-blues-588.html

Spring

The first days of Spring are on their way - does it make you feel good and excited about the year, or drift by unnoticed?