Online Education Blog > Archive by tag 'study habits'

Articles Tagged With study habits

Ten Tips On Creating Good Study Habits for Going Back to College

November 22nd, 2010 by michaelm

When you’re getting ready to go back to college, it’s important to get yourself in the proper mindset. You’ll want to set great study habits early on in order to ensure your success. Here are ten tips on creating good study habits for going back to college.

1. Set a consistent working time for yourself
Setting a consistent working time for yourself is one of the best ways to get yourself into good study habits, as you’ll be able to focus during this time block and get your work done.

2. Have an official desk or workspace
Working from the same place every time is a great way to get yourself in the mindset to study when you otherwise may be easily distracted.

3. Complete your assignments as they’re assigned
Always complete your assignments when they’re assigned. Putting them off can only cause them to pile up and you’ll fall behind.

4. Study your notes for 15-20 minutes each day
When you look at your notes for just a little bit each day, the material will stick with you better.

5. Practice scheduling your other commitments around your study time
Before classes begin, start blocking out your study time in your schedule to get used to working around it.

6. Connect with your instructors and classmates
Get in contact with your instructors and other classmates and plan meetings and study times to maximize your learning.

7. Read all assignments from the textbook
If the teacher has assigned a reading, it’s probably relevant to the course. You’ll also pick up other valuable material.

8. Communicate with your employer about your education
If you’re working, be sure to let your employer know that you’re also pursuing your education so that you’ll be able to better balance work and school.

9. Ask friends and family to help you
Friends and family members can help you by quizzing you, discussing material, or even being understanding of your need to work.

10. Integrate your knowledge
Try to make connections between the material you’re learning and your knowledge of other subjects to effectively integrate your learning.

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Ten Important Features of a Study Space for Online Colleges

November 21st, 2010 by michaelm

When you’re going to school online, it may be easy to neglect the area you’re studying in. However, the atmosphere you work in can often play a huge role in your success. Here are ten important features of a study space for online college.

1. Spacious work area
Your study space for your online college should include a spacious work area, so that you’re able to spread your materials out without being cramped. You should have room for your textbook, computer, several papers, and other materials or resources without the desk looking cluttered.

2. Focused and free of distractions
It’s important that your study space is in a place that is free from distractions. You should be able to focus on your task at hand without interruptions.

3. Wi-fi connection
Additionally, your study space should have a wi-fi connection or other easy internet access. Avoid places with undependable internet connections.

4. Comfortable chair
You’ll be spending a lot of time sitting in your study space, so invest in a comfortable chair! Your body will thank you for it when the semester is over.

5. Consistent place
Your study space should be in a consistent spot. Working in the same spot every time will help you to focus and understand that it’s time for work.

6. Room with a door
It’s helpful if your study space has a door on it, in order to keep distractions out when you’re working on something really important.

7. Decorative elements
People are able to work better in an aesthetically appealing environment, so consider adding a few decorative touches that you find relaxing or inspiring.

8. A clock
Though it may seem like an obvious addition to your study space, many people forget the importance of having a clock. You’ll be able to keep track of time and focus your assignments.

9. Storage and organizational system
Create an organizational system that works for you, and have storage space to keep things together.

10. Easy to access
Your study space should also be easy to access so that you can work whenever you have the time.

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Ten Tips on Going Back to College for Mothers with Young Children

November 19th, 2010 by michaelm

When you’re a new mom or have several little ones around the house, managing their care along with your other duties or job tasks can be a stressful process. However, it is possible to still do all of this and manage school at the same time. Here are ten tips on going back to college for mothers with young children.

1. Set a consistent time for yourself to study
Setting a regular study time for yourself is a great way to stay on task with your coursework and to make sure it gets done.

2. Explain what’s going on to your kids
Keep your kids in the loop of what’s going on - explain that you’re going to school, why you’re doing it, and what that means for the family.

3. Ask for help from friends and family
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and to accept assistance from your friends or family members. They want to see you succeed and will be happy to pitch in.

4. Arrange to study when the kids are asleep, at school, or with friends
Be proactive by arranging study times that will match up with nap time or play-dates.

5. Communicate with your instructor about your situation
Get to know your instructor early on, and communicate openly throughout the course.

6. Create a workspace that is free of distractions
Your study center should be a focused place that is away from the kids where you can go for uninterrupted time.

7. Check out resources on time management and balance
Look for resources on time management and stories from other moms who have managed it all.

8. Spend time relaxing
It’s just as important to spend some time relaxing as it is to be productive during your study sessions. Rejuvenation will keep you going.

9. Create special family times to spend with the kids
Set aside specific times for the kids away from all other work, so that the importance of family isn’t forgotten.

10. Be flexible
Learn to be flexible with your planning and schedules, as things simply won’t always go as planned.

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Ten Things To Do To Create A Great Place To Study For Your Online College Courses

November 12th, 2010 by michaelm

Almost everyone understands the importance of having a quality education. Employers are highly interested in hiring those who have a rich college education. Many are starting to attain this rich education bey enrolling in online universities. Online university degrees are becoming more popular amongst those that have full time jobs.

Studying is key for anyone that wants to pass their classes with high marks. One must create the perfect environment if he or she plans on absorbing any information precisely during a study session. Here are ten things to do to create a great place to study for your online college courses.

Organization

Make sure that the study area will well organized. This will help you stay focused on your school work. One can easily get distracted by glaring at any clutter that may be lying around.

Pleasant Smells

Incense, scented candles, and other things can provide a warm and comforting aroma to your place of study. They are come in many different scents and are significantly inexpensive. Incense can elevate the comfort of your study area tremendously.

Sufficient Lighting

Sufficient lighting can help you see with ease. A desktop lamp or bright overhead light will suffice.

Music

Do you enjoy music? What type of music do you enjoy listening to? Select your favorite type of music for your studying session. You can listen to a small radio while studying.

Comfortable Chair

A comfortable chair should be included within your study area.

Charts

Placing charts around the room can help you memorize pertinent test information.

Open The Blinds Or Curtains

Opening the blinds or curtains will introduce the sun’s rays to your studying area. Sunshine can life your spirits and motivation.

Get Rid Of Pets

Pets can be a distraction. Getting rid of them will help improve your concentration.

Stimulating Break Materials

Having entertainment that will help you relax but still be mentally stimulating is great for studying. Crossword puzzles, sudoku games, and other activities will give you a break without needing to lounge in front of the television.

Refreshments

You should place refreshments within your area. Beverages such as punch, soda, and tea will suffice.

Getting a college education is critical for anyone that wants to have an excellent career that will pay well. Studying is critical during the course of attending college. Adhering to the ten things to do to create a great place to study for your online college courses can help you get excellent grades!

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Ten Ways To Prevent Distractions While Taking Online Classes

November 6th, 2010 by michaelm

Taking online courses can be challenging, especially if you live in a home that has other people living there, but there are some ways to avoid distractions and keep involved with what is important, studying.

1. Find a room that is very quiet and located within the home with fewer distractions and out of the way of visitors or other family members.

2. Attach a note to the outside of the door where studying is taking place to inform everyone that you are studying. That way when family members come to ask a question, they know you are busy and can come back later.

3. Inform other family members that you will be studying. This will avoid having someone run a sweeper, having a television or a radio on loud and running loud tools or equipment that may distract you.

4. Avoid the visitors. If it is possible, have another family member handle visitors and friends if they arrive. Have them inform them that you are studying and can call them or stop by to see them at a later time.

5. Be prepared to sit for awhile. Have a drink and a snack available, make sure laundry or dinner will not be a distraction and go to the restroom before you start to study.

6. Shut the window if outside noises are a common interference and use a small fan instead for air circulation.

7. Make sure the television and radio is shut off. It is easy to have a song or a conversation on a show catch your attention.

8. Do not open applications on the computer that will interfere with working, like instant messages or email notifications.

9. Keep dogs, cats loud birds or other animals out of the room, unless they are very calm and can lie on a bed or by a chair without wanting constant attention or making noise.

10. Shut off cell phones and home phones in the room where one is studying. These can be a huge distraction that one can avoid. Use an answering machine to answer the incoming calls.

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Ten Tips for Time Management In An Online Course

November 5th, 2010 by michaelm

One of the nicest features to taking online courses without strict deadlines is having a busy lifestyle, yet still being able to opt to take advantage of furthering your education. Below are ten tips that will help to manage your learning experience to being most productive.

1. Examine your lifestyle. What break times do you have to refresh what you have already learned previously and what of that time are you willing to spend reviewing? What time slots of 50-60 minutes per day or per week are you willing to commit to your study?

2. Determine how long it will take you to complete the course. Whether or not you achieve the timed goal is not as important as that you have one to which you can adhere and measure your progress.

3. For larger blocks of study time, determine the quiet place that gives you the edge you need for maximum concentration.

4. Determine when you are most alert and plan the study times for your more difficult portions of study during those hours when you feel most energetic.

5. Maintain a good diet and proper sleep during this period of online course study. Exercise is also important for mental acuity and focus. Take the time for a brisk walk or other physical endurance activity on a daily basis.

6. Have your notes with you so if you have unexpected lulls in your day, you can take them out to review.

7. Turn off cell phones, television, and radio when you are sitting for your extended study periods.

8. Have a healthy snack and water or juice nearby to eliminate the need to take yourself away from the material with what might seem like a nagging urge otherwise.

9. Reward yourself with something you’ve wanted to do or to have once you have completed a block of study time.

10. Each week take some time to evaluate how close you have come to your goal and compare to other weeks. Try to beat your best record next week if you haven’t achieved your goal for that week.

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Laptop vs Desktop: The Pros and Cons of Each When Attending Online Classes

November 3rd, 2010 by michaelm

If you are planning to take college classes online, then you have made a great choice. There is probably no better or more efficient method available today for obtaining a high quality education. Since you will be getting most of your education on your computer, it is essential that you have a good one. However, you may be wondering whether you should purchase a laptop or a desktop computer. Both laptops and desktops have their own benefits and disadvantages, so there is no clear cut answer. Let’s take a look at a few things that you should consider.

1. Price

When you are comparing laptop vs. desktop computers, one thing that will jump out at you is the price difference. Generally speaking, desktops are a bit cheaper than laptops. You can get the same amount of computing power with a desktop for about half the price. If you are trying to save money, then a desktop is definitely the way to go.

2. Portability

If you want to be able to do your coursework in places besides your home, then you will definitely want a laptop. Laptops are great because you can often head into a coffee shop and connect to your online learning module via a public WiFi connection. You might also want to get some work done in a park if it is a nice day. If you travel quite often, then a laptop is a must. On the other hand, if you spend most of the day at home with your children, then you can probably get away with purchasing a desktop.

3. How Long Will it Last?

A further consideration when deciding whether to purchase a laptop or a desktop is how long you need your machine to last. If you are planning on pursuing a four year degree online, then it might be a good idea to purchase a computer that will last at least that long. Desktops are generally more rugged than laptops. In addition, since you will be carrying your laptop around a lot, there is a higher likelihood it will become damaged.

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Ten Things To Do When You Find Yourself Struggling In Online College Classes

November 3rd, 2010 by michaelm

Achieving a higher education through an online college allows one to gain vital knowledge while learning from home with a sense of comfort and convenience. Online college classes are the perfect solution for some people while it is not the best choice for others. Here are some things you should do if you find yourself struggling in an online college class:

1. Ask the teacher for help. The teacher may offer to give you extra help with online tutorials or direct you to a tutor.

2. Ask your classmates for help. Many online classes have a student discussion board for students to post their school issues. You may post that you need some help and direction. Or you can email your fellow students asking them about their ideas or how they did the assignment.

3. Ask the teacher if there is any way you can gain extra credit and take advantage or every extra credit opportunity.

4. Take some more time to focus solely on school. More time for school means more time to study and research.

5. Have a friend or family member come over to help you. They may be able to come up with ideas you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise.

6. Check for online education blogs. These blogs focus on college classes and the issues and solutions students have.

7. Research Google on what exactly you are having trouble with. Most likely, someone else has had that same trouble and someone has an idea to overcome that struggle.

8. Don’t stress. Stress will only make it worse. Take a break, eat some mint to clear the mind, and come back to the school work refreshed.

9. Go to the library. Not only will you have quiet time to concentrate on school work, but you will have book resources to help you.

10. If it is early in the semester you can talk to your counselor about dropping the class, maybe picking up the class another semester when you have time to focus, or taking an alternate class that will be sufficient credits for that class.

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Ten Things You Should Do If You Get A Poor Grade In an Online College Class

November 2nd, 2010 by michaelm

It happens to even the best of us: the poor grade. Don’t lose hope if you get an C when you expected an A, or if you get an F when you expected a…F. Instead, use this failure as a learning experience and resolve to do better next time. Here are ten things you should do in response to receiving a poor grade:

1.) Ask for extra feedback from the professor or teacher. While this may be a bit more complicated at online schools, you should make your best effort to ask for constructive criticism and areas to improve from your profs. Don’t use this as a time to grade grub or ask for better grades, though.

2.) Do a post-mortem. What went wrong in your preparation? Did you study the wrong thing? Did you study ineffectively? Did you not study at all? Figure out the flaw and correct it for next time.

3.) Ask your professor if there is any extra credit or “re-dos” available. Some professors, for example, will allow students to rewrite essays in response to the criticism and reward the paper with a higher grade. Some will also let students do extra assignments to earn more points.

4.) Were there extenuating circumstances in your schedule that prevented full preparation? If it was a one-time thing, like an illness, you may not have to worry. But if you skipped studying due to your weekly poker game, you may have to re-prioritize.

5.) Be honest - did you take the lazy way out? You may simply need to recommit to your degree and to your class.

6.) Check over the exam or paper - were you graded fairly? Did the professor make a grading mistake? If so, bring it to his or her attention. However, don’t try to grade grub or split hairs - your prof won’t appreciate it.

7.) If poor grades in this class are a constant, you may consider asking for extra help from the professor. You could also hire a private tutor to give you extra practice.

8.) Improve your time management skills. Mop up inefficiencies in your schedule and work out your priorities - and put this class and these assignments to the top of that list.

9.) Consult with fellow students - did they receive poor grades as well? Perhaps this test or paper was difficult, or graded harshly. Use this knowledge to improve your future assignments.

10.) Relax. Everyone has a bad day here and there. Don’t go crazy with blame and guilt. Take a deep breath, focus on your next task, and knock it out of the park.

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Ten Tips On Pacing Yourself In Courses For Online Colleges Without Strict Deadlines

November 1st, 2010 by michaelm

Online courses without strict deadlines are great for busy lifestyles, but there are pitfalls. Without deadlines, you may never finish what you wish to accomplish. Pacing through prioritizing and setting realistic goals can save you from this trap.
Online Degree at home

1. Evaluate: List reading requirements, papers to be written, research, required online tests, etc.

2. Establish the pace: You are ready to prioritize and set goals that can be realistically achieved by seamlessly weaving the work into your daily lifestyle.

3. Methodology: Set two goals per day. Some days you may find that you have little time at all to devote to your online course, other days much more. Most important is to devote a few minutes every day, realistically determining what you can and cannot set as goals, always prioritizing. Follow through.

4. Goal examples: On days with more time, set goals for completing a chapter or two of reading material at designated periods. On days when you have less time, set goals only for shorter review periods.

5. Rest: Take a break one day a week, getting away from it all. This means a break from all activity that is not relaxing, not just from course study. When you are pacing yourself, breaks are essential for maintenance.

6. Rejuvenate: When you have completed a section of the course, consider planning a longer break of up to two weeks so that you will feel refreshed and ready to restart the pace.

7. Monitor: If you are feeling overwhelmed, the pace is not right for you. Re-evaluate your goals as soon as you start feeling taxed. Prioritize according to what is essential only.

8. Consistency: Except on designated rest days, never go through a day without setting at least one minor goal toward completion. A pace must be steady even if slower.

9. Thoughts: Remind yourself of the good job you’re doing. This will motivate you to keep the pace you have set.

10. Rewards: Remind yourself of the raise you might get, the degree you’ve wanted, the knowledge that will empower you. These thoughts help the pace take care of itself.

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