While there are drawbacks
for part-time
study on any academic level, none of them should prevent a prospective
student from studying. When it is not feasible for many prospective students to
undertake full-time studies, part-time studies are still a viable option. The
benefits of part-time study often outweigh the drawbacks, particularly for
anyone returning to studying after many years on the work force.
What are some of the drawbacks
of part-time study?
Time:
Time is one of the major
factors to consider with respect to part-time study, because taking one or two
courses at a time, weighs heavy time wise. To the student, it can seem like
part-time studies take forever.
Then, while everyone else is graduating, year after year, the part–time student has to keep on studying. Graduation can seem to be far away and thus, the part-time student can become discouraged.
On a more positive note, having extra time to read or being able to spend more time on topics of interest and projects, can work to the part-time student’s advantage. With time management and a good study ethic, a part-time student’s marks can improve considerably. The part-time student also has time to do other things that a full-time student cannot do.
Full-time studies can be like
taking crash courses that are frustrating to the student who is too busy, while
part-time studies allow more time for in-depth study. There is extra time to
allocate to academic research and thus, the serious part-time student can
exceed the potential of full-time students.
Time is important, but it should
not be the only determining factor, when one wants to return to
school
Cost:
The cost factor of education is
always important. While full time courses and part time courses cost the same
in terms of tuition and books, there are invariably additional expenses for the
part-time student.
For example, every trip to the
college or university comes at a price. For example, consider the cost of
driving a vehicle or purchasing bus passes to travel to and from campus. There
is the cost of vehicle maintenance, insurance, gasoline and parking
on campus to consider. Full-time students pay this as well, but for part-time
students, studying over a higher number of years, this adds up and has to calculated into the financial equation.
On a long-term basis, meals for
part-time students can be costly. Full-time students are on campus at
lunchtime. Many part-time students are obliged to take evening courses, which
entails packing a lunch, eating in the cafeteria (if it is open), or going to a
restaurant off campus, when it is not. The cost adds up over a long time.
Weighing the financial aspect
of part-time study against the long-term benefit of part-time study is always a
good idea.
Effort:
A student taking part-time
courses has to put in extra effort in order to attend classes on a
regular basis. At home, this may involve the interaction between one’s spouse
and family. Having a spouse study on a part-time basis, can be or become
inconvenient for the other partner, particularly when it involves children. It
may entail finding appropriate baby sitters or other help to replace the
part-time student, who may be is a single father or mother. Many times, it
involves extra involvement and participation of parents and grandparents.
When asked to attend special
classes, exams or for interviews by teachers or professors, extra effort may be
needed on the part of the student, as well as other family members or friends.
There may be conflict that involves scheduling. It may not always be possible
to attend everything offered to enhance a part-time student's education.
Note that most spouses, parents
and grandparents, as well as other family members, try to be supportive with
respect to part-time students. Working out a suitable arrangement on a
long-term basis, can resolve this area of concern.
Employers:
Many employers encourage
students to become part-time students, as full-time students have to take
time off work, whereas part-time students work around their employment
schedules. A difficulty may arise if the part-time student combines employment with part-time courses and takes on too much. A healthy balance between work and
part-time studies is important.
Some employers may be willing
and able to assist part-time students financially, by paying the cost of tuition
or day care costs for children. This may take the form of financial
remuneration or reimbursement when courses have been competed. They may also
assist a disabled student to take part-time courses, when full-time study is
not feasible.
Teachers and professors:
Teachers and professors go out of their way for part-time students and revise classes or schedules, in
such a way as to help them meet their academic needs. This is not always easy
for them, particularly when there are extremely large classes, many papers that
have to be marked or schedules that have to be up-dated.
Note that most teachers and professors
are kind, compassionate and understanding with respect to part-time
students, so this should not stop a student from taking part-time courses.
Grants, bursaries and awards:
Grants, bursaries and academic
awards are generally obtainable to full time students, but not necessarily
there for part time students. Part-time students can and should make inquiries
about special grants, bursaries and academic awards offered to those
engaged in part-time study.
In conclusion, any student
considering part-time study should speak with a guidance counselor with respect
to his or her own situation. With good planning, succeeding at part-time
studies is possible.
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