Motivation | Distance learner
DISTANCE LEARNING
8 tips to make a success of distance learning
Distance learning can work well if you want to fit your study around your other life and family commitments. AAT distance learning tutor Melanie Walker AATQB shares her tips for success.
TIP 1
Think about your learning style
“If you are considering distance learning versus going to college and into a physical classroom, think about what style of learning suits you best,” says Melanie. “Are you a disciplined person who can plan out your own timetable and stick to it?
“When you are studying in a classroom with a teacher you have a scheme of work. The routine of college helps you to stay on schedule. Is that something you need to keep you motivated?”
With distance learning you need to manage your own time, ensure that you study the subjects that are relevant to upcoming exams and plan your study periods carefully.
TIP 2
Stay motivated by keeping your end goal in mind
“Many of our distance learning students are career changers and it is that motivation towards an exciting new career that helps them stay on track,” Melanie says. “They know they need to get through their exams to start their new career.”
Thinking about why you are studying can be a massive motivating factor, particularly when you are finding it hard to keep going. Think about the benefits your new qualifications will bring to you and your family.
TIP 3
Plan your study time and stick to it
One of the best tips to stay focussed is to timetable your life. Get a planner or a diary, put it on the wall and share it with the family. Share your goals with them and explain when you will need quiet time to study and revise. They can help support that goal.
“Distance learning appeals to people who need a level of flexibility because they have other commitments, and this can include family,” says Melanie. “For them, study needs to fit into different pockets of time in their life and having support from your family can really help.”
TIP 4
Build support networks with your fellow students and tutors
In order to create the kind of camaraderie that you would get in a physical classroom, Melanie encourages students to come together as much as possible using virtual breakout rooms and working in small groups or pairs.
“It can be quite a lonely journey sometimes if you are studying on your own,” she explains. “WhatsApp support groups can bring distance learners together to form friendships and help each other out. They’re a great way of finding study buddies or arranging group revision meet ups in the library or over coffee.”
TIP 5
Push through the challenging times
“Studying is not forever and sometimes you make those short-term sacrifices so that in the long term you can reap the rewards,” Melanie says. “If you have to get up an hour early or put the kids to bed half hour earlier so that you have space to study, then go ahead. I missed a party or two whilst studying but it’s worth it in the end!”
Everyone finds some of the modules hard, but with perseverance you can succeed. Once students have qualified with AAT it really opens opportunities for them.
“One student I remember was really struggling with the management accounting module and we worked together on it,” Melanie says. “I am so proud of her because now she is a Finance Partner in a large company.”
TIP 6
Use pockets of time to do short study bursts
If you are commuting, waiting for your children, or you have a small gap in your time then you can use an ebook, PDF or start a practice assessment. Melanie says excellent time management is essential to success when you are distance learning.
“Make sure you’ve always got something with you to study so if you find yourself with a free half hour or an hour, read something, do something,” she says. “I’d always find a corner somewhere or sit in the car and revise whilst waiting for my son to finish at swimming or karate.”
TIP 7
Understand how you absorb information
“Make sure you’ve always got something with you to study so if you find yourself with a free half hour or an hour, read something, do something
Don't be afraid to use all the different resources that are out there to help you study. If a book is not working for you, then go online watch a video. There are a lot of interactive study resources that are online, for example Osborne books have student interactive quizzes.
“Take time to understand what your learning style is because that will make your studies more enjoyable and less of a chore,” she says.
TIP 8
Celebrate your wins!
“When you’re studying and working hard, we often forget to celebrate after each assessment and give ourselves a well-deserved pat on the back,” says Melanie.
“It’s great to have an achievement wall celebrating all the milestones you have achieved along the way and keep it somewhere you will look at often. I keep mine beside my bed so I can see it as soon as I wake up and before I go to sleep but maybe you could try keeping it on the bathroom wall next to the mirror, so you see it when you are brushing your teeth or even on fridge. Look at it regularly as a great reminder of how far you’ve come and how well you’re doing!”
5 TIPS
To become a successful distance learner
1
Plan your study and manage your time effectively – study in short bursts if necessary
2
Use the support of your tutor and other students – they can help make learning fun
3
Employ lots of different learning resources, from videos to quizzes to stay motivated
4
Identify your goal and keep it in mind when you find study challenging
5
Make sure you have a quiet study area where you can really concentrate
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