Online learning is an excellent way for students to study and we believe that with the right mindset, tools, and strategy, all students can thrive and accomplish their academic goals. Read our top 10 online study tips below to get the best success with your online learning!
1. Set Goals
Setting goals is the best way to keep yourself feeling motivated. If you’re able to maintain a clear perspective of what you’re doing and where you’re going, then moving forward will be much easier. Because distance learning is self-paced, students need to set up their own schedule to follow and work towards their own due dates. Our best goal setting tips include:
Study Do’s
- Set long-term goals and have clear learning objectives that matter to you.
- Create a schedule and set daily goals for studying.
- Create to-do lists – you can keep track of the work you do, and satisfyingly check off the work you complete!
- Write down due dates in a calendar and put it on a wall where you can see it regularly.
- Make your own deadlines for assignments and set them a few days before the actual assignment is due. This will mean you won’t be kicking yourself the night before the assignment is due, stress-mashing the keyboard! Give yourself time to deal with unexpected circumstances and time to edit your work or finish other assignments.
Study Don’t
- Don’t try to pace yourself against the expectations of someone else’s plan. If their strategy doesn’t work with your learning style it will feel unnecessarily frustrating trying to follow. Make a personal plan that works for you and stick to it.
2. Optimise Your Study Space!
How effectively and efficiently we study can be very much influenced by the location we study in. Of course, a study space that works for one person might not work for another. Some people love working in a café with the bustle and chatter taking place in the background, or listening to ambient sounds, while others prefer complete quiet for a clear head. When learning from home, key aspects to consider for your study space include:
- Setting up a dedicated study space where you can work in daily. Environment is key, so it’s a lot easier to get things done if you complete your studies in one space associated with getting work done. This is true for all things, from working out to relaxing and studying. If you try to study from the comfort of your own bed, there’s a high chance you’ll fall to sleep!
- Choose the ambience that works for you. Do you prefer working with music in the background, ambient sound, or no sound at all?
- Have a decluttered workspace for maximum concentration.
- Consider studying in a private area of the house if you can, where other people won’t interrupt or distract you.
- Make sure you have access to a reliable internet connection as classes and materials will be online.
3. Get Familiar with Your Course
Get familiar with your online course before it begins so if you have any questions, you can have them answered before the course kicks off. It is also a good idea to check if there are any technical requirements or materials you need to get access to, so you can be ready to go when classes start.
4. Know Your Learning Style
Everyone’s learning style is different, and what works best for one, might not be efficient for another. Again, figure out what ways work best for you, whether that involves using visual material, reading, writing, listening or activity doing, that depends on which strategy works best for you. Usually, strategies include a few different learning styles. The main types of learning styles include:
- Visual – using material like pictures, diagrams, charts, cue cards, and brainstorm maps.
- Auditory – for those who learn best when material is spoken out loud. These learners will prefer learning through lectures and discussions.
- Reading and Writing – for those who prefer assignments that involve reading and writing.
- Kinesthetic – For those who learn best through doing and applying new information.
5. Join the Discussion
Listen to and participate in class discussions via online forums and keep an eye out for any updates. Participating in discussions is a great way to apply the knowledge you are learning by discussing it, asking questions and figuring out concepts together. Joining class discussions can also help you feel more connected and make it easier for you to reach out and make friends.
6. Do One Thing at a Time
By focussing on one thing at a time you can maximise your concentration and work efficiently. This means you won’t feel unnecessarily overwhelmed trying to complete everything at once.
7. Set Time Limits & Take Regular Breaks
If you set specific time frames in which you will be studying, you can increase your productivity within that time because you know you will get to relax later. While you study, it’s also important to take regular breaks to stretch and give your mind a rest. Studying is hard work and looking after yourself and taking breaks when you need them will decrease overall stress and improve concentration.
8. Take Care of Your Body & Mind
Being a student is hard work and how efficient you are at studying is affected by the daily habits and routine you create for yourself. From how much we sleep and how much water we drink, to what type of food we eat and how much exercise we do, all these things have a big impact on our energy levels and our ability to concentrate throughout the day. So make sure to implement a healthy routine!
9. Ask for Help When You Need It
Remember: you’re not alone. Your classmates are probably wondering the same things you are wondering, and your teachers are practically on the edge of their seats waiting to answer your questions! So talk things through in forums, ask your classmates and teachers, and use the resources you are provided with, they are there to help you.
10. Be Prepared & Stay motivated
Motivation is very much dependent on how much you prepare and apply yourself to the tasks at hand. Often, you can’t rely on motivation alone to get you started, but once you do start, you gain momentum and can get into a good rhythm. Some days willpower is hard to muster, while others, it’s a piece of cake, so be kind and pace yourself.
Bonus tip: Acknowledge Your Accomplishments!
Your hard work deserves recognition! Reward yourself with things you like after completing your work. Whether that’s a refreshing walk, time with your friends, a date night, watching a movie or eating your favourite food, just make sure that you recognise and value your own efforts.
Where to Apply for Online Courses in Business & Hospitality
Crown Institute of Studies is presently accepting online enrolments for our hospitality and business courses as well as travel and tourism courses! Come explore our website and find out if a career in business and hospitality is right for you!
