Lots of libraries do the usual stuff – some books, some movies, computers, story times for little ones.
Have you ever thought about what else your library could offer besides books? I definitely have!
What if libraries started offering even more stuff to help out their communities? That would be pretty cool right?
Do you think libraries could or should start their own IGCSE prep classes? This could run hand in hand with online learning. Let’ see the possibilities!
What is IGCSE?
Okay, before we talk about offering IGCSE prep at libraries, let’s cover the basics.
The IGCSE is a big international high school program and set of exams that students take. It was created by Cambridge Assessment International Education and students all over the world take it.
The goal is to help students gain strong knowledge and critical thinking skills. The exams really test if you understand concepts and can apply that understanding. Scoring well on IGCSE exams can help students get into top colleges anywhere in the world. It’s a big deal!
Offering IGCSE Prep at Libraries
Okay, so now that we know what the IGCSE is all about, let’s think about why libraries might consider starting prep courses to help students prep for the exams. There are a few good reasons libraries could maybe get into the IGCSE game:
Helping People Learn
One of the main jobs of any library is to support learning in their community. IGCSE courses could definitely help students learn and build their knowledge to do well on the exams and be ready for college. Libraries could create a good study environment and offer resources to help strengthen what students are learning in the courses. So it aligns well with the library mission of boosting learning!
Meeting Community Needs
In areas where lots of students take the IGCSE exams, prep courses could fill an important need in the community. Libraries could survey people locally to see if there’s interest and tailor programs to fit what residents want and need. This helps set students up for success on a big test many of them take.
Providing Access
Some students may have trouble getting access to or affording IGCSE prep options. Libraries can offer more fair access by running prep courses right in the community and making them available to any student who’s interested. This matches libraries’ role as equalizers.
Engaging Teens
Libraries are always trying to get teens more excited and engaged with what the library has to offer. IGCSE prep gives teens something constructive to do that builds real skills for school and life. It also gets more teens into the libraries forming relationships with library staff. Could be a win-win!
Using Resources Wisely
Libraries already have space, computers, wifi, research databases, and lots more good stuff. Providing courses on site helps maximize those resources in the best way for everyone in the community. Libraries can use what they already have rather than buy new stuff.
Possible Ways for Libraries to Offer IGCSE Prep
If libraries decide to dive into IGCSE test prep, there are a few different models they could consider:
Team Up With Test Prep Companies
Libraries could partner up with big test prep companies like Kaplan or Princeton Review. These companies know their stuff and could run on-site prep courses at the library using the space and computers. They’d bring everything else like books, teachers, and materials.
Recruit Volunteer Tutors
Libraries could try to find volunteer tutors locally to work with students on IGCSE prep. Maybe retired teachers or college students would be willing to tutor for free if the library coordinates it. The library provides the place to meet and tutors bring their skills.
Buy Access to Online Test Prep
Lots of test prep companies sell online prep courses too. Libraries could pay to get students access to digital IGCSE prep programs. Students could work through it at their own pace on library computers with wifi access. Library staff could help with any tech issues that pop up.
Create Their Own In-House Courses
For libraries with more resources, developing their own original IGCSE prep courses is another possibility. They could hire super qualified teachers to actually design and teach on-site courses. More work, but total control over content and quality. Going one step further, they could provide resources for A Level students to help all those learners who study from home.
Key Steps for Libraries Looking to Offer IGCSE Prep
If the idea of offering IGCSE prep courses sounds interesting to you, here are some key steps libraries could take to get this kind of program up and running:
Research Like Crazy
Learn everything there is to know about the IGCSE format – the subjects, exam structure, what scores students need for different colleges. Really understand what good prep looks like.
Assess the Demand
Do community surveys and look at how many local students take the IGCSE exams each year. Get a sense of whether there’s enough demand and need to support prep courses.
Design the Material
Figure out what topics, test strategies, and practice activities to cover in courses. Make super engaging lessons and material to help students prep.
Find Great Teachers
Either partner with test prep pros or hire awesome teachers with IGCSE experience to lead instruction. Quality teaching is a must!
Prep the Facilities
Get designated classrooms ready with any tech/supplies needed. Get textbooks, whiteboards, markers, and anything else students will use.
Spread the Word!
Promote the heck out of the new courses! Email, social posts, flyers, website updates, partnerships with schools, local media – do it all!
Track the Results
See how it goes! Monitor sign-ups, completion rates, test score growth, feedback from students. Tweak and improve as needed.
Possible Issues to Keep in Mind
Offering something like IGCSE test prep sounds cool, but there are also some potential issues libraries should think about:
Staffing and Resources
Prepping and teaching courses takes a lot of work, especially if done in-house. Make sure there’s enough staff and budget to fully support an offering like this. Can’t cut other important stuff.
Relevance for All
Some could argue libraries should focus on basic literacy first before specialized stuff like exam prep. But libraries can meet different needs for different groups. Not one size fits all!
Equal Access for All
Even with library courses, some student groups like English learners may still face extra barriers. Libraries have to proactively address equity concerns through outreach.
Quality Control
Libraries must ensure prep courses provide really high quality instruction so students see exam results. Carefully vetting any partners or teachers is super important! No room for error.
Student Commitment
To see results, prep courses require students to attend class consistently and practice a ton on their own. Libraries should get kids motivated and encourage perseverance. Tough stuff!
Final Thoughts
Since libraries exist to serve their communities, they’re in a great spot to provide services people really want and ask for. IGCSE prep is just one example of an emerging offering libraries could take on. They don’t have to carry the load themselves as they can always enlist the help of a distance learning college, ensuring that anyone who can’t attend a conventional school or college have access to education.
Also Read: The Future of Medical Billing: Why Your Practice Needs Microwize Cloud Solutions
