People decide to train in a new subject or to sign up for an educational course or diploma for many different reasons. In our article below we give your our 6 Top Tips for How to Study Now.

Whatever your motivation, it’s quite possible that you may not have been actively in education for a while. Getting started again may feel a little daunting.

TIP 1: Choose the right course. It’s not just about what you’ll learn – it’s about how you’ll learn. A self-study or home study course (also known as distance learning) can be a good way to start as you will generally be working at your own pace. You won’t have strict deadlines to stick to – unless of course, you set them for yourself. This means that self-study is ideal for fitting around work or family commitments.

TIP 2: Some people find it difficult to keep to a pattern when studying alone, so plan your learning and develop good habits from the start and set yourself some reasonable goals (talk to your tutor if you are not sure how to go about this).

You could use your diary or your mobile phone to schedule sessions of reading or practical work. You could use a wall planner to map out your progress and the steps you need to take to reach your goal. Or if you prefer to use the computer then you could use our Trello board template for your studies. Set aside a specific time each week for your course work and divide it between your Modules and Assignments.

TIP 3: Break your reading up into short periods, say half an hour at a time and then take a break. You may like to follow the POMODORO technique that we reviewed in our July newsletter to Consultants. Remind yourself what you have read at the beginning and end of a reading period.

TIP 4: There are various Accelerated Learning systems to help you study. One of the simplest is to listen to music which has 60 beats to the minute while you are studying. This increases the ability to memorise dramatically. For other people it may be that your brain is most retentive first thing in the morning – or it may be that you can only get peace and quiet when your family is asleep.

The key to learning well is to be relaxed while you study – but this can be different for everyone – so work out if you need complete silence or work better with music on.

TIP 5: Make your own notes in the margins and used coloured pens and highlighters to mark what you need to remember and start to put into practise what you have read as soon as possible, even if you feel a bit awkward at the beginning.

TIP 6: Having a tutor which is part of all the courses with Imagination can really help you focus – and you can share your goals with your tutor to help you stay on track. Please remember your tutor is there to help you and is happy to answer questions at any time

.HOW LONG WILL YOU TAKE?

There is no time limit on our courses, and people have taken between two months and two years, when it has been necessary to take a break, through illness or family. However, depending on the course, most complete easily within six months. You will benefit from keeping up the momentum. If you have to stop for any time, you will find it helpful to call your tutor for advice when getting started again.

Many of us have responsibilities to others that prevent us from having complete control of our time. If something should interfere with your ability to continue with the course for a time, you can contact your tutor for advice and encouragement.

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