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A significant advantage of pursuing your counselling aspirations by studying with the Institute is the flexibility of the Diploma and the broad range of services available to students. While some services are part of the Diploma's course requirements, others are optional providing students with greater control over selecting the additional supports they need or would like for their studies. Here are some of the tools available: Course Materials Every unit of the Diploma has a workbook that provides information, reading directions, activities and questions for the unit. In addition to the workbook, each group of units has a Book of Readings and a Compact Disc. The Book of Readings contains all the articles and readings required to complete the workbook activities, while the CD provides useful information on the content of each unit. Each learning resource has been prepared by our highly-qualified course developers to a standard that promotes a gradual and cohesive acquisition of counselling theory and knowledge. Study Assistance Line Students are able to contact an Education Adviser on the toll-free Study Assistance Line (1300 139 239) to receive study assistance over the phone. Education Advisers are available to answer your queries from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (AEST). Online Study Support The AIPC website at www.aipc.net.au has a number of useful study facilities. Students are able to study online by downloading their workbooks, uploading them for marking, and then receiving their marked workbook back - all electronically! The website also enables students to contact an Online Education Adviser by email, access common questions on the Knowledge Base and download helpful Study Hints & Tips sheets. In-class Lectures Some students enjoy attending classes to receive face-to-face teaching. The interactive classes involve discussion of the theoretical components of the course as well as the opportunity to gain some additional practice in counselling skills. Students also enjoy the opportunity to network with other students. In-class Lectures are offered in the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth Student Support Centres. You are able to express your interest in attending these classes by contacting your Student Support Centre on: Sydney (1800 677 697); Melbourne (1800 622 489); Adelaide (1800 246 324); and Perth (1800 246 381). In-class lectures will also be available to Brisbane students in the very near future. Tutorials Tutorials are offered to students on a one-on-one and small group basis to cover course content and are conducted by qualified tutors. Some Student Support Centres schedule regular Tutorials for earlier units, however, most Tutorials are scheduled on demand. The one-on-one or small group nature of Tutorials ensures the sessions are flexible and interactive, and study requirements of the students determine the content and topics covered in the Tutorial. Bookings to Tutorials can be made by phoning your Student Support Centre. Practical Skills Diploma students are required to demonstrate the application of various counselling therapies, skills and techniques on a progressive basis throughout their studies. There are three ways in which students can show their acquisition of these essential skills. By far the most popular method is for students to attend a seminar whereby they undertake some face-to-face training and then role play the skills they have learned. Students not able to attend a seminar due to their schedule or locality are able to either submit a video of their role play or attend a private assessment session with one of the Institute's private assessors. There are seven practical components included in the Diploma and you are able to choose from any of the three submission methods for each of the components. Tape of the Month An optional, yet ideal way, to become more knowledgeable about specialist counselling fields is to subscribe to our Tape of the Month program. These handy teaching tapes have been developed by our curriculum developers on topics such as: 'The development of Children'; 'Relaxation Techniques'; 'Group Counselling'; 'Assertive Skills'; 'Counsellor & Client Dialogue'; and much more. The Tape of the Month offers the opportunity of a discounted membership with a minimum of 10 tapes delivered within a year. There are 22 tapes in all which you can receive over two years. Some also choose just to subscribe for a year, during which time, they will receive ten tapes. Well, as you can see, flexibility is the name of the game! If you'd like to know more about any of these learning options, please contact your local Student Support Centre or visit www.aipc.net.au/lz.
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