RE: home study massage courses
I think home study courses are ok to teach you some of the theory before you do your practical, but I do think that these home study courses in bodywork and the like, which let you think you are a qualified therapist after you complete them, should be banned, or at least non-certified. I think they are very dangerous.
As a lecturer/assessor and 'industry watchdog' I have seen so many of these courses that give you less information than the text books you can buy from your local bookstore.
If you dont have hands on tutor support then I dont think you should be practising, and even if you get insured by one of the few unscrupulous brokers (of which in this industry there are thankfully very few), then be aware that somewhere in the very very very small print will be something to say that your insurance will be void if you havent done any practical training to back up your course.[sm=soapbox.gif]
RE: home study massage courses
I think there is a point to be made here that even with "taught" courses you still need to do hours and hours of home study . Just turning up is not enough to get you through. When I did my ITEC AP&M we had 120 classroom hours split between practical and theory over 9 months but with my own study and practice i did easily 3 times as much on my own as "home study. And I havd done for every other course I have done since.
I think it is important to see the practical side in the flesh but you have to practice it on your own to make it work - hence the case studies. And I strogly believe the case studies are actually the miniumum you should be doing
RE: home study massage courses
I agree there and most courses insist on case studies and home study, which should be done. My arguement is the 'distance learning' only courses which are available can be quite harmful.
I recently read, on the website of a 'distance learning' only company, which arent even based in the UK, but in Spain, informing prospective students that the way to get the practical training is to work through the home study packs and get your training practicing on friends and family and getting feedback from them!
Surely you agree that you need to have been 'taught' by a professional in a classroom environment to practice on the public? Obviously home study is there to help fill in the gaps left out in class and also to further your own knowledge.
RE: home study massage courses
I agree you do have to see the moves in the flesh - but i think a few weekend workshops over the course should be enough , if you are kinesthetic enough to want to work with your hands you should be able to pick up the moves from that. as I say it is hours of home practice that make the difference .
I do believe you should have an independent or recognised practical exam to test your practical skills too.
As with all these things there are good and bad courses what ever method is employed. It's always a case of buyer beware when you are chosing them . and doing lots of research. There have been loads of topics on the student forum about colleges that have given very bad teaching and poor value for money too. For schools you need to go and see them , ask for sample course material, speak to ex or current students etc. For distance learning the same and go with whatever suits you and you is reconised enough to ensure you can get insurance at the end.