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With all the exam results being published at the moment,
there are lots of education opportunities around. College prospectuses and
information about clearing and university courses abound. First year university
students are preparing to leave home for the first time to study and the words
‘Back to School’ are emblazoned everywhere.
It’s a really good time to be thinking about any education
you need to reach your goals. Did you make a New Years resolution to learn
Spanish? Do you want to make big changes to your life that will be helped along
by training? Will having a certificate,
A Level, Diploma or Degree ease the path into your next career or life stage? Or do you want to learn something just for
the sake of informing yourself? Taking up art, music or other new activity will
give you something to think of other than work and will be hugely beneficial
when you are looking for a way to relax and let your hair down.
Learning as a mature
person.
Look at your overall goals – is education one of the
stepping stones to reach them. What exactly do you need to learn?
What is your preferred mode of study? The education and training industry has
changed hugely and there are many more ways you can study at your own
convenience, so you can really make your learning fit into your lifestyle. You can choose from college, university,
distance learning, correspondence course, online learning or employing your own
personal tutor.
What space do you need to make so you can study? Do you need
to find time or find a physical place to study? It helps to consider all these
things before you take on a commitment and find you can’t cope when the
assignments start coming in. Time management is an essential skill for all
students but even more so for mature students who may be juggling work,
families and studying all at the same time.
Preparing to study. Get organised – develop systems to help
you manage yourself during studying will ensure things run as smoothly as
possibly. Make a schedule and stick to it.
Learning some study skills will really help you to make the most of your
education and reduce the pressure.
Tackle technology head on – Don’t be scared of using
technology to help you with your education. There are a myriad of apps and
computer programs which will help you manage your studying. Ask your college or
university to help you get to grips with them.
What will you gain from going back to school? Quite apart from the subject area that you
are interested in, you will meet new friends and gain confidence in your
abilities from taking on a new challenge. So you will probably get more than
you ever bargained for.
Staying motivated. If you are taking on a challenging and
lengthy course there may be times when you feel stressed and demotivated. This is the time to remember the reason for
taking it on in the first place and what you will gain at the end. Seek support
from people around you, your family and fellow students. Keep a record of your
achievements – when you are feeling the pressure look back over them and see just how far you have come.
Take a break – When you have assignment deadlines, work
deadlines and family screaming for attention it is almost inevitable that you
will feel overwhelmed at some point. Don’t be afraid to take a break. You will
come back refreshed and motivated. In
fact it is a good idea to schedule in breaks throughout the course of your
study which should be sacrosanct.
Happy studying!
Caroline Love
Do you need help to use your time more effectively and productively? Have you ever tried coaching? Would you like to?
The wonders of technology mean it doesn't matter where you live.
Contact me to arrange a free consultation about my coaching services. My step by step programme will help you get more from your allotted hours and give you time for happiness and joy in your life. Send me a message or email Caroline@carolinelove.co.uk
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