Why We Still Offer Face to Face CIPD Courses Across the UK and Worldwide

In a few short years, online learning has exploded into the public consciousness, due in no small part due to the growth of technology and the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There's no denying that this technology has made learning much more accessible, more flexible and more affordable overall. As a result, many learning providers have rushed to adapt their courses for online delivery, with questionable results in quality. 

What Aristotle can teach us about face-to-face education

At Acacia Learning, we believe that online learning has not yet been able to emulate face to face education when it comes to the intrinsic issues of the human being and human connections.

Over two thousands years ago, Greek philosopher Aristotle (widely considered to be one of the founders of political science) developed the idea of humanity being a 'Zoon Politikon': a political animal who has a fundamental, intrinsic need for face-to-face interaction with other human beings to function.

Whilst Aristotle was focused on political systems and the engagement of citizens in politics, his ideas can be transferred to a whole variety of contexts. In particular, the learning process is not exempt from this reality.

In fact, it is the fundamental value that sustains face to face education. When interacting in a learning environment such as the classroom, knowledge is not only acquired from the teacher.

There are other factors within this environment that make the knowledge gained more profound and lasting too.

The value of physical interaction in the classroom

In face to face education, knowledge is acquired from the teacher but also the interaction and debate that is generated in the classroom, from the knowledge and experiences students share with their tutors and colleagues. Ideas are debated spontaneously, serving to not only increase understanding but to give added value to the relationships and networking between the student and his / her peers and their tutor.

Our experience is that face to face learning is based on physical interactions. Encouraging the student to express their ideas in front of a group of people, reaffirming the knowledge gained in the classroom and developing basic soft skills for them to take back into their organisations.

Today, organisations require professionals to have the knowledge needed to perform their respective roles but also people capable of leading processes, creating new ways of doing things, visionaries who can influence and lead others. Qualities difficult to develop when your studies are conducted in front of a computer.

At Acacia, we offer our CIPD Level 5 qualifications through face-to-face learning formats. It's an education based on emotions, in constant support and mentoring between students and the tutor, creating long-lasting networks and relationships that extend beyond the classroom and the life of the course.

Whilst the popularity and benefits of online learning are undeniable, Acacia Learning will continue to offer a face to face education, encouraging these human connections and for all our students to grow with us.

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