Here we are, half way through the month, and we are just now talking about school! On a school blog! Well, that’s the whole point… getting our priorities straight. I don’t know about you, but in my life school ranks after some other things (like God, family, and exercise). Here are some ways to keep school in perspective, and keep moving ahead.
Schedule your work and follow through
Remember, contrary to popular belief, everyone can make a schedule, but not everyone can stay on it. Figure out how much time you need to devote to school work, schedule it into your day, and than follow through on your study time. Your test scores will thank you.
Designate a place – with everything
Pick a place somewhere in your house to study. Put everything you need to study right around your area. This includes, but is not limited to, pencils, pens, water, computer, books, blank paper, calculator, encyclopedias, dictionary, notepad, and classical music. See? If only your family didn’t seem more fun than school work and they could be in there. Than you would have your whole life right there. Who needs more than your family, a blank piece of paper, and a pen?
No distractions
When I say distractions, I’ll bet you immediately thought of technology. I’ll give you credit, that’s a big distraction. However, this can include books, music, a job your forgot to do. Here’s a solution. Get an index card and number it 1, 2, 3, etc. As you study, when you think of something you promised to do, someone you need to call, a book you need to finish, anything at all… write it down on the card and (here’s the key) forget about it until school is over and the correct time is now. Start your day with your school book, your pen, your notebook, and your blank list for random reminders.
Assign yourself…
Tough, but necessary. When you are a distance learning student, you will be doing a lot of studying and testing with no accountability. Particularly with CLEP and DANTES. Get a folder and paper and write out all your assignments and deadlines to get your work done on time. Its tough because you have to make it up, but it will save your skin and your test. Give yourself deadlines and hold yourself to them.
However, remember why you are a distance student. For me it was the freedom to continue being a big sister and entreprenuer. So when I have something come up in the family or with Plants and Pillars, I don’t hesitate to drop my school work and pick it up later. That’s why they invented going to bed late! 🙂
That’s also why this blog post is late.
Do you have any ideas about scheduling school work as a Distance Learning student?