Learning Support Classes
Learning Support classes are online classes that meet once or twice a week for about an hour. A MODG teacher leads discussions, presents materials, and helps students come to a better understanding of the materials. The student has an opportunity to discuss the material in the classes and ask questions. We have found that not only are the classes a great way to learn the material, but it is also a great opportunity for the students to get together with other students around the country to discuss common interests and develop friendships.
We believe that parents are responsible for the education of their children. We expect that a parent will be very involved in the student's learning and know that what we do in the conference calls can only be successful if the parent is actively involved. We think that the Learning Support classes are an excellent tool to assist the parents in the education of their children.
What is Learning Support?
Learning Support, like many of the other services we offer, was developed at the request of our families. Many years ago, at the request of students seeking to discuss with their peers the material they were reading, one of our teachers, a firm believer in the discussion method of learning, started our first history discussion class. These group discussion classes quickly caught on and spread into new group classes in Latin and Religion. The idea eventually spread into Math, Science, Grammar and Fine Arts. Our Teacher Services are excellent in helping students understand the material, organize their thoughts and convey them well in writing. The MODG program itself, because of the materials chosen and the method employed, helps form the ideas in the student's minds. The Learning Support classes are another way to enhance the development of the student's intellectual ability. Discussion is key to our program; defending and presenting opinions in class help the students love learning and improve their written work, because they come to an understanding of the different positions first through the spoken word. We welcome any parent to sit in on the classes that her (or his) students are doing with us. It is our hope that discussions in the class encourage the students and parents to continue the discussion together after class.
Learning Support Courses include paper grading. While the benefits of discussion, as well as presenting and teaching concepts as they came up in the syllabus was the originally intended service, additional benefits became apparent after we started actually teaching the classes. Classes provide additional accountability and keep students on track. When grading work, the teacher can immediately see when there is a problem in understanding and address it within a few days. For that reason, in most classes we encourage the students to submit work for grading.
The camaraderie that develops between the students in the class is also a benefit. It helps the students feel that they are part of a class in a school. Also, we have found that Latin is a subject for which many parents want additional help. The classes provide parents with that support. The result of this system is clear; more students are taking Latin, enjoying it, and continuing with it in later years.
What are the benefits of Learning Support?
More teaching time, accountability, structure, group discussion and camaraderie are the benefits of Learning Support. Students must move at a regular pace and meet deadlines. Small class size allows teachers to pay attention to individual students, but do so in a group setting. Class size is limited to ensure maximum benefit to students (see below for more information). Some classes like Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation and Story Hours provide opportunities for students to participate in an activity without any homework or prep time on the part of the parent. Students simply need to show up to class. Teachers are available for questions outside of class as well. It is our intention that the Learning Support classes will facilitate discussion in your home, and enhance your child's learning experience without replacing you as the primary teacher.
We hope anyone would benefit from these classes! However, students who may need to go at a slower pace than the syllabus due to real learning issues with concepts may want to consider using our Teacher Services and meeting with a teacher weekly in lieu of these classes.
How does Learning Support work?
Learning Support classes meet on a regular basis. Classes are conducted weekly (or twice weekly) via Zoom, a virtual classroom which requires a computer, headset and high speed internet connection. The link to the virtual classroom is posted to the families' site, once the student is assigned to a section. In class, the students work on new concepts with the teacher and review previous concepts, employing the discussion method. Students receive approximately one hour per week of class teaching. Students do not have personal one-on-one meetings with their teacher as a general rule. If students need extra support, they can sign up additional support (in addition to attending the class) which will allow them to meet individually with a teacher twice monthly or weekly throughout the school year.
Are grades given in Learning Support Classes?
Grades are given based upon papers, tests and quizzes submitted. The teacher will notify parents of student grade status 2-4 times a year. (Parents are always welcome to ask more often for updates.) Some Learning Support classes make use of auto-scored quizzes which are managed by the parents, but most Learning Support classes include grading of papers, test and quizzes in the cost of the class and it is expected and strongly recommended that students will submit this work to the teacher as part of the class experience. These assignments will be graded either by the Learning Support teacher, or by a grader who works with the entire class section. While paper grading is covered in the cost of the course, parents retain the option to not use the grading portion of the course if they wish to discuss the material directly with their student or make use of local teachers for grading purposes. Opting out of grading does not ordinarily change the cost of the Learning Support class with the exception of religion classes and the middle school discussion book club.
For information on our Registration and Course Fees, please see the Enrollment - Pricing Breakdown page.