Motivation | Distance learner
How to make distance learning work for you
Distance learning doesn’t have to be a lonely process. By understanding how you work best, using the power of the internet, and putting support structures in place, you can ensure you are fulfilling your potential. Our experts share their tips for success.
Harness the power of different study methods
Whether you are a visual learner, enjoy brainstorming with others, or like to watch an instructional video on YouTube, there are a variety of ways to enhance your learning.
“Studying online can be a lonely experience so try to engage with fellow students where possible and join online study groups,” says Chris Goulding, Managing Director of specialist HR and finance recruitment firm, Wade Macdonald. “Not only will this help negate any feelings of isolation, but by speaking to others who are in the same boat, you can share knowledge and gain tips on how they have tackled similar hurdles.”
There is a community of students within AAT and you can find Help and support here on the AAT website.
Go online for inspiration
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You can access study resources on the AAT learning portal.
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The AAT YouTube channel has a wealth of resources on tax, CPD, events, career guidance, ethics and study guides.
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If you are looking for information on how to make the most out of distance learning, there are plenty of online guides to revision techniques, including Effective Revision Techniques from First Intuition and modules for AAT Level 3 and 4 like this one on Flexed Budgets. Kaplan has a guide to Answering your AAT Questions.
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You could try some of TikTok’s best revision techniques, and banish procrastination and learn time management skills with TED talks from Dan Pink on The Puzzle of Motivation and Tim Urban on Why you procrastinate -- and how to still get things done.
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Learn about how AAT helped launch the career of Lucy Cohen, founder of Mazuma Accountants and use our quiz to Test your knowledge of Excel.
Break down your tasks into small chunks
“It can be easy to become overwhelmed when faced with a daunting volume of information to absorb, so it’s crucial not to get fixated on the size of the task at hand,” says Chris Goulding.
He says that you can manage stress by:
- Identifying daily priorities
- Breaking down study tasks into small manageable chunks
- Allocating specific time slots for studying which are broken-up by regular breaks
- Be realistic about how long you can actually concentrate for
- Establish a sustainable routine that allows time for study commitments but also strikes a healthy work-life balance
- Watch out for burnout because you don’t want to lose motivation or damage your long-term productivity
“With distance learning it’s even more vital to set clear, specific goals for your studies and break them down into small milestones,” he says. “This will help you to stay organised, in control and on-track, but also help to sustain your motivation levels, by ensuring that you feel that you are making progress and have the incentive and satisfaction of ticking tasks off the list, to move closer to an end objective.
“Studying online can be a lonely experience so try to engage with fellow students where possible and join online study groups. Not only will this help negate any feelings of isolation, but by speaking to others who are in the same boat, you can share knowledge and gain tips on how they have tackled similar hurdles.”
Joshua's tips
Joshua Barlow, AATQB, Accounting Technician Apprentice, has just completed AAT Level 3, having passed his synoptic exam with Distinction. He says that asking for help and support can be really beneficial in the long run.
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