Advocating Dynamic and Purposeful Learning Since 2007
Headquartered in British Columbia, Canada, Progressive Learning Institute's director and primary instructor, Nathalia Orton, has been in the private education business for over sixteen years. It is no accident that our quality of service, track record, and reputation are exemplary in the community.
Progressive Learning Institute has had the privilege of educating and guiding students of all ages. In fact, the need for critical learning skills manifests at a very young age. It is no mistake that the earlier progressive education can be demystified, the better chance the student will have at excelling in the future. More importantly, PL Institute reinforces that every student’s interpretation of information is different. It is paramount that an educator recognises this and caters to the individual with that insight. Likewise, Progressive Learning Institute has expertly curated programs for all ages that encourage effective and efficient understanding.
Over many years, Progressive Learning Institute has also successfully helped countless students gain admissions into esteemed universities like McGill, University of British Columbia, McMaster University, Queens University, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Carleton University, Simon Fraser University, York University, University of Alberta, University of Victoria, Seneca College, and more. In the same manner, PL Institute has effectively assisted many high school students with scholarships and bursaries. Not to mention, new and adjusting undergraduate and graduate students seek PL's help on a regular basis.
What is more, PL Institute has a unique footprint in the business language sector. Sending sensitive emails, using diplomatic language with superiors or critical clients, giving important presentations, and communicating dexterously with investors all require specific skills - PL can illuminate them.
PL Institute is proud to continuously recognise that education is an extremely layered process. Often, people unfortunately assume that learning can be achieved by sheer repetition or discipline. These mundane and outdated concepts do not properly reach students on a fundamental level. Education should be holistic. The hope is that no matter what the students are learning, the experience should be purposeful.
After all, there is a distinct reason why rave reviews and positive testimonials from students and parents don't seem to have an end: Progressive Learning Institute aims for progress, not perfection.
Contact
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
10AM - 6PM
director@progressive-learning.com
☎ (604) 807-1054
“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”
— Malcolm X
Main Areas of Concern
Reading
Reading seems like a simple concept but the truth is that there are demanding skills in reading that account for a lasting impact on a student’s confidence, ability to concentrate, level of comprehension, critical thinking, and so much more. By learning all of the intricate differences between intensive reading, extensive reading, skimming, and scanning, a student can read more effectively. Whether it’s for poetry, novels, short stories or academic articles, developed reading skills are essential.
essay writing / exam preparation
Essays and exams are words that make most students extremely nervous. What many do not realise is that test taking is a skill that anyone can learn. There are concrete steps students can take in order to minimise exam panic and complete tests proficiently. Similarly, essays can easily be broken down into different parts. They’re not so scary once they’ve been properly compartmentalised and we can show students how.
listening
Communication is made in a variety of ways and a fundamental method of verbal exchange of information requires apt listening skills. Many students today are not equipped with informed listening skills and therefore become easily distracted, flustered or confused during class, conversations, and lectures. We address different styles of listening and easy-to-remember tips to ensure comprehension and concentration. In reality, expert listening influences so much more than just academics.
grammar / Syntax / Morphology
What are the building blocks of a language? How do we string words together? Where are the exceptions and why do they exist? English is a complex, derivative language, and a vast majority of students don’t actually understand many basic components of structure. Progressive Learning Institute approaches structural elements of English from a pragmatic standpoint and therefore eliminates unnecessary complications.
speaking
Just as important as it is to listen mindfully, it is vital that students are able to speak their minds clearly and eloquently. There are many areas of speech that we focus on including but not limited to pronunciation, volume of voice, diction, pace, eye contact, and even posture. This knowledge is beneficial for public speaking, presentations, debates, and so on. We encourage our students to speak with confidence and a strong awareness of rhetoric.
social sciences
Applied and social sciences help us understand the world around us better and therefore serve a critical role in progressing the humankind forward. We believe that these soft sciences should be given more precedence in schools as they shape young minds to be open and humane. Many of our instructors are therefore passionate in teaching applied and social sciences.
critical thinking
One of the most useful skills that students can possess is to know how to think critically for oneself. We teach students to check their facts and reference the source of information rather than absorb it at face-value. The problem is, a vast majority of students are not taught the skills of analyzing ideas critically. PL Institute can help students study with finesse.
neuro-diversity tutoring
Our team is equipped with tutors who specialize in teaching students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), disorder of written expression, anxiety, dyslexia, or a mix of conditions. Neurodiverse students benefit abundantly from Progressive Learning Institute’s thoughtful ways of teaching.
online lessons
A large number of our students study abroad or in far-away cities. With the aid of Skype, Discord, and Google Docs, learning on your computer has never been easier or more convenient. In fact, many university and older high school students prefer it since they can receive the same quality of education comfortably in their rooms.
How Can We Help?
Use the form below to contact us regarding your inquiry. Please be as detailed as possible about your or your child's needs. To help us best serve you, we recommend that you first describe the issue you’re having before telling us what you want to achieve. You may also email or call us directly to make an appointment.
For job opportunities, please email us your resume. We’re always looking for new and exceptional talent that can contribute to the Progressive Learning team.