Flexible learning programs strike a chord with the public

Flexible learning programs have captured the public’s attention for succeeding where mainstream schooling can fail.

Since the launch of Associate Professor Kitty te Riele’s report, Putting the jigsaw together: Flexible learning programs in Australia, the project and its findings on the value of offering disadvantaged students a safe and supportive environment to pursue their education, has enjoyed extensive national coverage with benefactors of these programs joining the conversation.

The latest instalment was broadcasted around the country on Thursday morning (11/09/2014), when Associate Professor Kitty te Riele (Principal Research Fellow at The Victoria Institute) was joined by Jayde, a student attending the SKYS flexible learning program in St Kilda, on Radio National’s Life Matters.

A family breakdown triggered a downward spiral for Jayde and the onset of anxiety and depression. Her sister finally intervened by introducing her to the SKYS flexible learning program. She’s only been part of the program for 6 months and already feels more engaged and now harbours aspirations of attending university or TAFE.

“One of the best parts for me about attending SKYS is that they have an extensive social welfare department. I felt not only cared for or accepted but no judgement about my past,” Jayde said.

Flexible learning programs like SKYS offer students flexibility by catering for each student’s individual interests and needs, without placing “pressure” on them to complete their work in tight timeframes. Jayde commented how this flexibility was crucial in helping her negotiate school work and balance it with the other distractions in her life.

Putting the jigsaw together highlights these programs’ ability to link the curriculum to the interests of students through project work. This approach keeps learners attentive and, over time, helps to transform them into “confident” learners.

Jayde’s knack for mathematics has been fostered and developed by her teachers as a means to achieve her “goals and dreams for the future”.

“At the school that I’m attending, I’ve got a mentor that’s helping me and next year I’m looking at studying accounting or finance at university,” she said.

The research project outputs include a practical resource in the form of a new searchable database to help potential students find a program for themselves but also to assist fellow programs in establishing a more cohesive network within the flexible learning sector. Learning from different approaches will be vital to strengthen the sector in the future.

The Victoria Institute and Associate Professor Kitty te Riele welcomes enquiries regarding the commissioning of related research.

Listen to the interview on Radio National’s Life Matters. Or read more about this project:

Project outputs

• Searchable database with information for over 900 programs
• Final report
• 8 detailed case studies
• 22 short vignettes

More stories in the media

• Alternative education stops thousands from dropping out – The Age
• High school for homeless breaking the cycle of addiction and poverty – The Sydney Morning Herald
• Flexible learning helps students with disadvantages finish school – The Conversation
• Talk about Flexible Learning – Dusseldorp Forum 
• Riding the Alternative Learning Wave – Dusseldorp Forum

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