NB This is a sponsored post.
It’s been nearly 30 years since I graduated from Teacher’s College, so I guess you could say it’s been a while since I studied full-time ;-).
I’ve made the occasional foray back into the world of higher learning – in 2005 I started a Bachelor of Ministry part-time (the hubster was panicking that he was about to become a pastor’s husband!); but gave it away when I started a more demanding job.
Last year, I enrolled in a Certificate 4 of Small Business Management. I knew it would be difficult to fit in along with everything else going on in my life, but I also knew that ultimately, it would SAVE me time and effort if I could just stick it out. And I was right 🙂 . It gave me exactly the knowledge I needed to take my business to the next level.
I was fortunate though – the Cert 4 was only short-term, so the end of the tunnel was always in sight.
But what if it isn’t? What if, like my friend Jess, you realise that the 2 year Advanced Diploma you’ve started is 2 years’ full-time – meaning it will take 4 years, part-time?
Being a mature-age student, returning to study after a long break, is not for the faint hearted. It can seem long and draining. So here are my tips and tricks to help you go the distance:
Set Small Goals & Celebrate When you Achieve Them
The most important thing to remember is that: inch by inch, life’s a cinch; yard by yard it’s far too hard. Don’t set your gaze firmly on the end of your course; it will only dishearten you. Instead, focus on, and celebrate, each little step: another assignment done and dusted; the end of a semester.
Get Started!
I know from experience; there is nothing scarier, or more stressful, than having an assignment looming. Yet strangely enough, making a start really helps you to get your head around the task. As you go about your daily life, it gives your subconscious mind a chance to work on the assignment – helping you be more ready mentally, next time you turn your attention to it.
Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help
Sometimes, you will feel stuck. Perhaps you don’t understand what the lecturer is asking, or you want to know if your plan for that assignment is on the right track. And don’t get me started on referencing – what a nightmare! Chances are, there’s help available no matter what institution you are attending. At Evocca College, there are dedicated learning coaches to help you improve your academic and study skills, available for face-to-face appointments, or by skype, phone, or email (for phone phobics like me!).
Learn to Say NO
One of the hardest things about returning to study after a long break, is that you actually have a life! Chances are you’re working, have a partner and/or children, and don’t forget all work and no play makes for a very dull life, so somehow you want to fit a social life in there as well.
Prioritising time for study means that you are going to have to learn to say “no” sometimes, whether it be to that camping trip on the long weekend before exams, or a coffee date the night before an assignment is due. It can be hard to say no, even if you want to, because you may feel you are disappointing others. Just remember: real friends and supportive family members should understand that while you are studying, you will not be as available to them.
Take Short Breaks
You will be able to retain a lot more information if you have short breaks in between your studies. If you are going through a long study session, use the breaks as goals to get you through each set. Complete one section, then go get a snack (I don’t recommend my favourite study break reward when I was at Teacher’s College: a chocolate bar!). Finish the assignment, then go for a brisk walk around the block. Keep your brain refreshed and energised, by letting it off the hook every so often.
Minimise Electronics
Electronics have the potential to be the downfall of studying. If your phone is next to you while you are trying to cram for a big exam, chances are you will be tempted more times than not to look at it. Likewise, a TV in the background or music that is too loud or distracting will get in the way of your brain retaining more information.
What’s your Learning Style?
When I was at Teacher’s College, we learned that different children have different learning styles. It’s the same for adults; some mature age students work better with others, as the group stimulates their energy and productivity levels. Others need to see and do to really take information on board. So to really conquer your studies, make sure you are studying in a way that matches your personal learning style; the short quiz below can help you identify yours.
It seems I am an “Analytical Learner” – what was your result?!