When students come to us they have already made the choice to study away from a classroom, using the phone, mail, video, audiotapes and occasional visits to a teacher's office. We, as distance teachers are still learning how to make this teaching challenge as effective as possible for our students. I have learned that certain students are better candidates for this method, particularly those who are self-motivated and have some knowledge of the subject. I have learned that teacher support and interaction is essential and that the frequency of this interaction is important. I have learned that the teacher must be forthcoming with compliments and encouragement.
Repetition is a key element and responding to student needs as promptly as possible is essential.
When that quick response is present then distance learning can be more effective than the classroom because it simulates private tutoring. The best evidence of the success of Crossroads Caf is the numerous letters I have received from students. I am constantly being told by my students how much they are learning. When my mother came to this country as a teenager, she was placed in a first grade class to learn English. Eventually she did.