Adult learners live busy lives. Between work, families and other responsibilities they find it hard to fit studying into their lives.
To overcome these difficulties, adults should first create a study schedule and find an environment conducive to studying; also consider recruiting a study buddy as this will ensure you stay on top of course material.
1. Make sure you have a good internet connection
If it has been awhile since a learner has participated in coursework, they may feel overwhelmed with reading, writing and homework. Encourage them to look into any student success mini-courses or workshops offered at their school - often free and available during summer break or before classes resume in September.
EarthLink can offer higher speeds that would benefit learners when streaming videos, chatting online and studying, serving 96% of homes nationwide with fiber internet that can go up to 5 gigs for optimal learning experiences. We service 96% of homes nationwide and can support up to five gigabit speeds - everything learners need for smooth viewing!
Remind them that life can be hectic and that making time for schoolwork can be challenging. Encourage them to focus on why they decided to attend college and use that motivation when things become overwhelming.
2. Find a study space
Your study space choice can have an enormous effect on how productive you are. A great study environment should offer freedom from noise, TV programs, or people; plus be both physically and psychologically comfortable for optimal productivity.
An ergonomic desk chair and comfy couch are essential, but you can customize your study area further with curtains, artwork, clocks and even memo boards and agendas to keep yourself organized.
Reaching your peak time of concentration will increase efficiency and make staying focused easier. Also important: making sure your phone is set on airplane mode so no texts or notifications get in your way of studying - although this requires some discipline from you! Jim Rohn said it well: discipline is "the bridge between goals and accomplishment." And it certainly pays off!
3. Create a study schedule
Online learning offers many advantages, but sometimes it can be overwhelming and time consuming to figure out where to start. Establishing an effective study schedule will help create an efficient study routine while managing your time more effectively.
Take the time to look through your course syllabi and assignments, and determine what you will need to accomplish during each study block. This will enable you to better organize and plan for tasks at hand so you don't end up pulling an all-nighter when something important like an exam or essay is due.
As part of your study block, it's also crucial to incorporate breaks. Breaks can help keep you focused while relieving any unnecessary stress levels; even something as simple as going for a short walk outside, having coffee, or munching on something quick can boost productivity and help make tasks simpler to tackle.
4. Get a study buddy
Though you might be taking online classes, it's essential that you meet with your peers as much as possible in person. Forming relationships with classmates will enable you to form a support system when things become challenging; finding an accountability partner could provide that extra push you need when things become overwhelming; having study buddies provides you with motivation when something large comes due or you have an important test coming up; you could also brainstorm together on ways to optimize studying processes (i.e. teaching each other chapters/units and paraphrasing material instead of reading word-for-word from textbooks/notes).
Study buddies can also serve as extra eyes when revising essays - which can be particularly beneficial if both you and the subject matter are struggling!
5. Set goals
Making academic goals part of your journey online or returning after some time away can help ensure its success. They serve as guides that keep you moving toward reaching the results that matter to you most--be it getting an A in a challenging class or becoming more comfortable public speaking.
When setting academic goals, ensure they are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely - this will help keep you on the right path and hold yourself accountable.
If your goal is to earn an A in math class, set a target score and devise a study schedule. Reward yourself when reaching your goals - for instance by rewarding yourself with something tasty such as an apple when meeting studying deadlines!
