Studying at Superkoulu requires a lot of time, motivation, and the ability to learn, as the study process is primarily independent and online. The materials are designed to support independent study as effectively as possible. However, it is the student’s responsibility to make the best use of the available materials.
Fortunately, students are not entirely alone, as they have the support of their own student group and a study coordinator who acts as the group’s mentor. The coordinator regularly communicates with the students and monitors their progress. This is the person students can turn to with any questions or concerns.
The study coordinator tracks each student’s progress using an analytics tool. The analytics reveal how well students are performing in conversation exercises with Finnish speakers and show their success in weekly tests. If the analytics indicate a concerning level of progress, the coordinator contacts the student to discuss the situation together. Since the training progresses week by week, it is important that busy students are able to consistently dedicate time to their studies. Sometimes, this isn’t possible, and unfortunately, many students end their studies before reaching the finish line, often due to work commitments.
As mentioned, the coordinator reaches out to those whose studies aren’t progressing as expected for any reason. However, there is another side: the coordinator is also the students’ biggest cheerleader! Encouragement before proficiency tests, positive feedback on writing and speaking assignments, and personalized feedback during interim evaluations are all crucial for maintaining motivation and commitment to the studies.
Motivation is also maintained through Zoom meetings for more advanced groups, where Finnish language content is reviewed, and speaking exercises are conducted with the group. According to feedback from students, it is particularly important to see others in the same group and, of course, the coordinator. For coordinators, the Sunday meetings are a highlight of the week, as the students’ enthusiasm is contagious!
When the coordinator isn’t directly interacting with students, they might be found in a team meeting, developing language studies with others. Coordinators have also scripted and recorded material to support learning, which students can easily listen to during a busy workday. This has been particularly appreciated by students, many of whom can only study late at night after work. In addition to solving tricky questions, coordinators are adept at brainstorming and implementing new ideas.
Superkoulu is a training and recruitment platform developed by HSS to meet the needs of labor-based immigration.