Online Courses To Avoid Adult Language Learners' Drop Out ![]() _Research results obtained from the survey covering 26 language schools who provide Estonian language courses for new immigrants in Estonia revealed that the drop-out rate reaches up to 30 percent of the participants. ImmiSoft Ltd together with the Integration Research Institute decided to develop a special Estonian language e-course and several other e-learning materials that would better cater to the needs of adult English-speaking newcomers in Estonia, eliminating the common drop-out reasons. Our experience from previous adaptation courses has revealed that new immigrants are in difficulty in finding suitable language courses that would correspond to their needs. Although the adaptation program for new immigrants in Estonia has been implemented since 2009, it has not solved the problem. Research results obtained from the survey covering 26 language schools who provide Estonian language courses for new immigrants in Estonia (conducted by Mart Rannut and Ulle Rannut in 2009) revealed that the drop-out rate reaches up to 30 percent of the participants. Main drop-out reasons (42%) affecting attendance concerned changes in employment: losing or finding a job, change of workplace or of work shifts, extensive business travel, etc. 8 percent of drop-out cases were caused by moving to another place and 5% due to family reasons. In the case of free language courses financial reasons for drop-out vanish, however, factors connected to low learning motivation become much more important (17% of drop-out cases), as participants regard the course requirements too high, the course too intensive and difficult. Ironically, language school managers were on the opinion that the drop-out might be even more extensive in this case, reaching a quarter from the total number of starters. Though the reasons (employment, family, etc.) for missing classes were allegedly the same for all courses, however, the motivation in catching up one’s co-learners among those attending free course was much lower than among those who had paid for it, resulting in drop-out.
_E-courses enable to overcome constraints limiting newcomers' adaptation and integration in Estonia, make adaptation and language learning programs permanent and financially accessible. As e-courses are available in Internet, participants can visit each lesson whenever it is suitable for them and as many times as they need, thus, they cannot miss the class any more. They bring learning activities and personal tutoring to all participants 24/7 wherever they are, which eliminates most of the drop out reasons. Learners can decide what topics to choose and when is the best time to learn for them which should increase motivation. The other beneficial aspect is the affordable price as it makes the whole language learning process much cheaper for learners. Read more by visiting these websites! http://www.integrationresearch.net/immisoft-e-courses.html and http://www.integrationresearch.net/adaptation-course.html
Ulle Rannut, Ph.D Integration Research Institute
3 Comments
9/27/2012 06:59:37 am
Wonderful!! this is really one of the most beneficial blogs I’ve ever browsed on this subject.I am very glad to read such a great blog and thank you for sharing this good info with us.
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9/17/2013 02:56:42 am
Just crave to pronounce your stipulation is preeminent. The brightness in your courier is merely awesome also i can undertake you are an specialist on this range. Well accompanying your franchise suppose me to appropriate your rss supply to retain up to appointment along incoming inform. Bless a million further gratify guard up the fabulous process.
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1/25/2014 06:12:38 am
I am confused about this course. My experience doesn't say that online course is good for avoid adult language learners.
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Ülle Rannut, PhD
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