Many distance learners need to balance several responsibilities at the same time.They may include working full-time, caring for young children, serving in active duty military roles, etc.It can be difficult to find time to study.If you're a distance learner, you should check out this guide.
Step 1: What should you do to get it done?
It is important that you are aware of the requirements of your classes before you schedule study time.You can use your course calendars to figure out what assignments are due each week.Don't forget to take exams.It is possible to group everything by day or week.You won't have to flip between classes to see what's due on a given day.If you don't have a syllabus or class schedule, ask your instructor to give you as much information about the course as possible.Your teacher probably already has this information because most instructors have their courses planned out.
Step 2: A plan can be created.
You can begin to make your study schedule once you have figured out what you need to do.You will need to account for all of your personal obligations in order to do this.You can't easily make a schedule that includes those things.Things that are important to you might not be obligations.This could include a workout class, movie night with your family, or time devoted to a hobby or craft.If you balance your studies with fun activities, you will maximize your productivity.If you find that your plan isn't working, you can always make changes.If you need to scrap it, you are not bound by your first attempt.
Step 3: Make sure you prioritize your requirements.
If you have a hard time fitting in all your studying time, you should identify the tasks that are most important in your study schedule.If you have weekly assignments due for one class that are worth almost as much as the class exams, carve out time for these each week to ensure you get them done.It can be difficult to identify the important requirements for your classes.Everything is important if you want to do well.The tasks that will have the greatest impact on your grade are the ones you should try to prioritize.Some things that are not due may be important.It is important for you to learn the material and do well on the exams if you have assigned readings.
Step 4: Make your study schedule as detailed as possible.
Setting aside 2 hours for studying is not enough.Carve out specific time frames for each task you need to do.If you are specific with your schedule, you will be less likely to skip important tasks or accidentally take up all your study time with one assignment.If you don't account for minor distraction, bathroom breaks, and the like when creating your schedule, you could be thrown off.If you prefer, you can break up your study sessions into multiple sessions per day.You can study for an hour before dinner and another hour after.Make sure the start and stop times are clearly stated in your schedule.
Step 5: Start slow.
Don't let yourself be overwhelmed right out of the gate.You're likely to get frustrated if you can't follow through with your study plan in the first week.This is a recipe for failure.Before you start cranking up the intensity, make sure you can handle it.Every other night, assign yourself a 2 hour study block.If you don't have enough time to do what you need to, you will probably make your schedule.You should adjust the time allotted so that you think it will be doable.If you find that your schedule isn't working, make changes to it.You will need to devote more time to your studies if your study blocks are too short.This can be hard to recover from if you wait too long to make the adjustments.
Step 6: You should stick to your schedule.
Follow through with a routine that works for you once you've created it.If circumstances change, a certain amount of flexibility is recommended.It means you shouldn't be lazy or neglect your studies.Holding yourself accountable and not letting things slip through the cracks is essential to doing well in school.Setting a watch or phone alarm to remind you to start studying is a good way to make sure you don't skip out.If you are busy with other things, you won't be able to remember.If you know you will miss part of a study block because of an appointment that can't be moved, plan to make up for it.It might be necessary to move your studying to an earlier or later time that day.It is more difficult to get into a regular study habit because you don't have to be physically present in class as a distance learner.If you work hard in the first few weeks of class, you will find it easier to accept the new schedule.
Step 7: Make time to study.
It is easy to forget to schedule time in your study blocks for studying for exams because this is not something that is due for your classes.As exam dates draw closer, devote time to reviewing previous material in order to do well on exams.Make study reviews a part of your schedule from the beginning.This will help you speed up your study time so you don't end up studying into a single night.Do your best not to slack off on this because it might be a tempting obligation to skip out on.This is one of the more important tasks because exams make up a large portion of your grade.
Step 8: When you're awake, study.
If you schedule your studying for times when you feel alert, you will be more efficient.If you wait until you are tired, you will have trouble remembering the material.It will help you avoid feeling exhausted while studying.Schedule time for study and exercise.Even though your body may feel tired after a physical workout, it's a great way to boost your mind.You might be able to retain more information after working out.The earlier in the day you are, the less tired you will be.Schedule your studying for before dinner if you feel sleepy after eating dinner.
Step 9: Take breaks.
It can be hard to sit down and study for four hours after a long day of work.Short study breaks of five to ten minutes every hour or so will help you stay focused.Even a five minute rest can do a lot.You can use your break to stretch, take a walk, or have a snack.If you take your focus off schoolwork, it will be helpful.Don't use your break time to read or use the computer.Since you are already staring at a computer or reading while studying, it is best to break up those activities with things that are physically stimulating.
Step 10: Make sure to order your tasks wisely.
There is a logical sequence to what needs to be done if you have more than one class.You don't want to tackle the exercise first if you have read the chapter and watched the online lecture video on the topic.If you take a moment before you start your study block to figure out which tasks should come first, you will learn more quickly.Instructors assume that students have already read the book chapter for the topic in their lectures.Before attending lectures, you should read the materials assigned to you.If you aren't sure what to do, you can always ask your teacher.Don't be afraid to read a book or watch a video.If you have time, you can read before the lecture and then re-read it after.
Step 11: It's a good idea to choose a study location that won't distract you.
If you want to get the most out of your study time, pick a place that is quiet and not busy.Many people find it hard to study at home because they want to talk to their partner, watch TV, play with their kids or pets.You can pay attention to your schoolwork if you go to a public library or coffee shop.If you can't read with noise, you should go to a quiet place.Most likely, this will eliminate any public place.Pick a location that is easy to get to and that has hours of operation that will accommodate your schedule.It's important that you don't create a hassle for yourself while studying.If you need to change your study locations, you can.It is possible to study at home, but perhaps there is too much going on.A change of scenery can be nice.
Step 12: You must be an active learner.
Taking notes on lecture videos, thinking of questions when reading, and asking your instructor whenever you have questions about the course content are all part of this.You won't get much out of studying if you just go through the motions, and this will be reflected in your grades.Use online lecture videos to take notes on important topics in your class.You can re-watch sections that you didn't understand on the first viewing.Since you can't re-watch or pause an in-person lecture, this is an advantage for distance learning.Even though you can't visit your instructor in person, she likely has office hours set aside to help students.These can be done via email or online.You can ask for help or clarification with topics you find particularly challenging.Your instructor will appreciate your initiative.
Step 13: Get a tutor.
Professional tutoring services can help you learn the material on your own.If you spend an hour a week with a tutor, you will learn more about the material.You can ask your instructor for recommendations for tutors, or you can find them online.It is still your responsibility to learn and improve, even though a tutor can assist you with the material.If you treat this as a supplement, you will benefit.Individual assistance is available.You are more likely to get the attention you need if you meet with a tutor one-on-one.If you are using paid services, this ensures that you get the most for your time and money.Request someone with expertise in your area of need if you intend to use the school's free tutoring services.College tutoring services might pair you with a general science tutor if you need help with microbiology, which requires specialized knowledge.