Distance Learning Study Tips
Have you ever diligently tried to study for a test or finish an assignment, but it just isn't sticking? Or worse, are you so overwhelmed that you can't even get started on your task at all?
It's not easy to take care of school work and balance a busy schedule. That's why we're here with some distance learning study tips. This post goes over everything from when it's best to schedule your classes, how to change your environment (or find one), and the importance of managing distraction and procrastination.
To start, let's take a look at how to begin organizing your life for the best study experience.
When Is the Best Time to Schedule Your Classes?
The most important thing about scheduling is that you need to know when it's the best time for you. That way, you can plan your classes and assignments without feeling pressed for time. The best day of the week is a matter of personal preference. If there's an annoying holiday or school event coming up, then it might be a good idea to move your classes around in advance. It may also be worth taking advantage of some free college courses that are offered online. The first week of January is an excellent time to start planning for the new semester, as many schools offer spring break or other free days. You may also want to take advantage of National Test Prep Month, which runs from August through September. You'll find a ton of free online courses during this time period.
How Do You Change Your Environment?
Too much distraction is one of the biggest barriers to study success. It can be hard to concentrate on what you're working on if your environment is constantly introducing new objects, noises, and events that catch your attention. One way to reduce distraction is to create calming environments where you can focus on learning tasks without distractions. Here are some of the best ways to do that:
Create a schedule and stick to it. For example, you might want to study for an hour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You can then use Tuesday and Thursday for Schoolwork-Free Days . This keeps you from feeling rushed or overwhelmed during a specific time period in the week. You can also set up a schedule for each day of the week and just rotate it to fit your needs.
and stick to it. For example, you might want to study for an hour on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. You can then use Tuesday and Thursday for . This keeps you from feeling rushed or overwhelmed during a specific time period in the week. You can also set up a schedule for each day of the week and just rotate it to fit your needs. Create an environment that's free of distractions . You may want to consider buying a noise-canceling headset , earplugs, and blinds if you're going to be in your room with the lights off most of the day.
. You may want to consider buying a , earplugs, and blinds if you're going to be in your room with the lights off most of the day. Use blackout curtains around your laptop or computer screen . This will block out any distracting light from the window. If you're spending a lot of time doing homework in the basement, your best bet is to get a bright light-blocking shade for your window so you can still see what's going on outside.
. This will block out any distracting light from the window. If you're spending a lot of time doing homework in the basement, your best bet is to get a bright light-blocking shade for your window so you can still see what's going on outside. Use ear plugs . For example, if you plan to study at night, try using earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds . They won't only help with sleep but they'll also block out distractions.
. For example, if you plan to study at night, try using or . They won't only help with sleep but they'll also block out distractions. Stare at the clock . One way to block out distractions is to stare at the clock for an extended period of time. It's a simple trick, but it really works to improve your focus and ability to stay on task.
. One way to block out distractions is to stare at the clock for an extended period of time. It's a simple trick, but it really works to improve your focus and ability to stay on task. Get a "school fix" every now and then . You don't need to study every day, but you should take breaks from studying and make sure to have a "school fix" every once in awhile. For some people, that's a quick run around the block or indulging in a video game. If you're able to just goof off for a few minutes, then your brain will actually be doing something different than trying to focus on schoolwork.
. You don't need to study every day, but you should take breaks from studying and make sure to have a "school fix" every once in awhile. For some people, that's a quick run around the block or indulging in a video game. If you're able to just goof off for a few minutes, then your brain will actually be doing something different than trying to focus on schoolwork. Use distraction-free apps and websites . There are hundreds of web sites that are good at blocking out distraction. You can use them for a few minutes at a time to focus or as a means of distraction relievers, like when your brain needs a break from work. You might also want to try an app like Freedom that has quite a few distractions available as well.
. There are hundreds of web sites that are good at blocking out distraction. You can use them for a few minutes at a time to focus or as a means of distraction relievers, like when your brain needs a break from work. You might also want to try an app like Freedom that has quite a few distractions available as well. Create a quiet place . When you aren't studying, find ways to make it so you can focus on your work whenever you want. Work out, go for a quick walk, or set up some white noise or classical music in the room. You don't have to make it extremely quiet, but you should have enough background noise that your brain isn't constantly trying to process every sound around you.
. When you aren't studying, find ways to make it so you can focus on your work whenever you want. Work out, go for a quick walk, or set up some white noise or classical music in the room. You don't have to make it extremely quiet, but you should have enough background noise that your brain isn't constantly trying to process every sound around you. Schedule work time and free time . If you have free time in the morning and evenings, then why not plan out study sessions at those times? You'll be able to focus on what's most needed when your head is clear and your body is rested.
.
Conclusion
There's no magic formula that works for everyone, and not all of these tips will work for you. The point is to make sure you're doing all that can be done to improve your studying habits. If you've already achieved good results, then pat yourself on the back! You're already off to a good start! You now have a great deal of information on how to study effectively, so be sure to use it if you'd like a more efficient learning experience. For everyone else, don't be discouraged if your knowledge isn't perfect yet – there's always room for improvement with learning new skills. The first step is finding out what works and what doesn't work for you by trying various tactics.