VSA Future Shapes National Essay Winners

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VSA Future is an online learning center that offers virtual classes and counseling services that help students develop as independent thinkers, writers, and speakers. Their holistic approach, individualized feedback, and award-winning teachers—coupled with their virtual format—make them a natural fit for students at every stage of their academic careers.

Are you seeking academic enrichment to bolster your child’s confidence and independence, building a solid foundation that ensures they are prepared for the rigors of college? Do you need a mentor to guide your college application process? VSA Future is here for you.

Patch had an opportunity to speak with VSA Future’s Founder and CEO Dr. Julia Guo to discuss how their program helps students of all ages become not only successful students but well-rounded citizens of the world.

What has been the most challenging part of your work over the past 2.5 years?

Since the onset of the pandemic, students have fallen behind in academics. On average, at least 40% of students are working below grade level across all subjects. At VSA Future, we’ve learned that we can’t simply teach students from what they are expected to know for their grade level.

Instead, we’re adapting to evaluate what material students have a deep knowledge of and then work from that point forward, regardless of their actual grade. We plan long-term for individual students using need-based learning strategies that help backstop pandemic-induced learning losses.

What are VSA’s learning and teaching principles? How do those benefit students?

Our classes are structured around core principles that guide our mission as a learning center. We focus on active, not passive learning, so student retention of material is greater. Our emphasis on the spiral learning method ensures students are engaged during lessons, regularly practicing and thus reinforcing new skills. Through our classes, we encourage students to be driven by intellectual curiosity, work resiliently through challenges, and set goals based on their own internal motivation.

It’s on this foundation that we built our reputation for developing strong writers and speakers. Our students demonstrate clear success following these principles: In the last few years, multiple VSA students have received national Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards.

Why does VSA want each child to have a vision or goal for their academic success?

When students have an internal goal, they shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Our students learn to see challenges not as immovable roadblocks to their learning and success, but rather as obstacles they can overcome and lessons they can solve. This method of teaching not only supports students in their academic studies but also provides them with an important lifelong skill.

Many parents want to help their children become better writers. How does the VSA Future program support this goal?

Our program isn’t just about writing, but also the building blocks of language that support good communication. We make sure our students have a firm grasp on phonics, grammar and reading to fully expand their writing profile.

Phonics and grammar support students’ writing by allowing them to express themselves more fully. A rich vocabulary helps children write more formally while reading exposes children to different styles of writing, different voices and different opinions. Essentially, to push our students to write well, we enrich their reading and vocabulary skills.

As our students advance through our writing programs, our portfolio-based classes take students through the writing process, and our teachers offer tailored feedback every step of the way. Our writers gain exposure to new genres and flex their writing muscles, leading to polished final products through an insightful, instructor-led process.

What is one of the most important skills taught at VSA Future?

All of our students learn the importance of time management! We think it’s a skill that is necessary to succeed academically and to build a well-rounded life into adulthood. We encourage students to incorporate a planner to map out their upcoming month, week and even day. We encourage students and parents to be specific with tasks, and to allow time for homework, fun and relaxation. This helps to minimize distraction and ensures time for social activities as well.

How is VSA Future different from other learning centers?

The VSA advantage is clear: We’ve been in the business of virtual teaching for more than seven years now, and our carefully crafted curriculum reflects that. We screen and train teachers rigorously, and our instructors cater to each student’s individual needs. At VSA Future, we don’t operate off of rote learning — we focus on making sure students can pick up new skills and use them, and communicate their new knowledge to others. You won’t see the same attention to cultivating students as well-rounded individuals at other learning centers.

What is the best piece of advice you can give to parents and students looking to excel academically in the upcoming school year?

I encourage students to sit down and think about how the upcoming school year fits into their future goals. What will they accomplish by succeeding in their classes this fall? What kinds of benchmarks can they set for themselves? Tapping into your internal vision is a great motivator for the challenges of the classroom. Of course, as those challenges arise — don’t be afraid to ask for help. That’s what parents, peers, and teachers are there for. At VSA, we’re here to help support students through the school year as well, whether that’s by building up math skills or practicing with public speaking tools.

How can Patch readers learn more about VSA Future?

Patch readers can find us at vsafuture.com on our Youtube Channel.

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