Monday, May 25, 2009

Six Study Tips For the Online Learner

How in the world do you block off time between running around behind the kids, cook dinner, do laundry, prepare for work the next day, sit in unmovable traffic, and attempt an A in a distance learning course? Your study skills are challenged, you have limited time to sit down and prepare resources for a discussion question or a test. So what do you do, you strengthen your study skills with these six easy steps:

1.) Ask family or friends for help. Many of you who have children will definitely need to heed this advice. As a mom myself, it's hard to set aside an hour or two a couple times a week to devote to studying, posting discussion answers and submitting assignments. So, who helps? The spouse and my parents. So parents, who are doing a great justice to your professional growth by pursuing an education online, you need help to manage the children, especially the smaller ones.

2.) Read assigned chapters at least 30-45 minutes a day. Use a highlighter to capture important points. Read over any sentences that may stump you. Write notes or questions to the side that catch your attention to refer back to later.

3.) If there are important concepts to learn or theories to master, make a chart or table to compare or contrast the concepts for the unit your class is working on.

4.) Application of learned concepts. What's the use of learning something if you don't know how to apply them to real life? Write examples on how you would use the concepts on a daily basis or scenerio.

5.) Work the questions at the end of the chapter, even if they are not assigned. This will help you with Tip #4.

6.) Do your best to not study in bed or when you are the most tired. You will not get anything done and you will instantly feel sleepy because you are in a comfortable state. Try a kitchen table or a desk, get some good lighting and play very soft music without words to stimulate your mind. This will help you retain information much better.

Bonus Tip***: Use additional resources that the instructor lists in the syllabus.

Make a routine of your study time, try to find out when you are most alert and motivated. For example, I am a morning person. My study times are mostly done around the morning hours, because at night, I usually set aside time for clients, household duties, and writing articles. Find your time where you are studying effectively. But most of all, make sure you master your learning experience.

Jayna Butler is the Founder of P&P Life and Educational Consulting Services. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and pursuing a Masters degree in Counseling Studies from Capella University, she started P&P Consulting to help others obtain their dreams. She has experience in Sales, Management, over 9 years working with youth groups, 5 years working in Nonprofit and Job Coaching, Higher Education Administration, and Recruiting/Staffing. P&P Consulting works with Clients in 3 specialities, Educational/Collegiate Consulting, Career Counseling/Development, and Confidence/Self-Esteem Coaching. Her professional organizational memberships include the Association of Career and Technical Education and the Tennessee Association of Guidance and Career Development. Based on the scripture Jeremiah 29:11, this consulting agency works with clients to guide, focus, and bring results to clients plan and find their true purpose. She works with college students, adult learners, business owners, and other organizations. She resides in Memphis, TN with her loving husband and 1-year old daughter.

For more information: Visit http://www.purposeandplan.org

Blog & More Articles: http://purposeandplan.blogspot.com

No comments: