Distance learning has special challenges. You will probably never see or meet the teacher. You won't have classmates. You don't have a campus full of people studying the same thing. But you can succeed! Plan on it! Follow the simple tips below, and you'll do better in your learning. They may seem pretty basic, but they'll help keep you focused and on track.
Set goals
At the beginning of a new course, look through the materials. Thinking about doing the whole course can be overwhelming. Accomplishing parts of it in reasonable time periods is encouraging and constructive. Break the lessons/assignments into manageable chunks. You might not have time to do a full lesson in one night, so plan for how much you can do, and then stick to it until you're done.
Schedule
Set aside a regularly scheduled time for study. If you have not been involved in academic pursuits recently, you may find that your career, family, hobbies, and social and civic commitments leave little time for studying. To help you fit studying into your schedule, keep a record for a week of how you spend your time, and then decide what you are willing to give up. Schedule your studies for a time when you are mentally fresh and able to commit between 4 to 15 hours a week . Think of the time as "reserved time." If you miss too many study periods, revise your schedule.
Keep consistent
Maintain a regular daily schedule. Habit creates momentum. If possible, designate a regular place to work so you can be ready to pick up as soon as it's time to start.
Reading Skills
You must comprehend and retain what you read for real learning to take place. Reading skills can be developed by concentrating on what you read and by taking frequent pauses to organize and review the material in your mind. At the end of a study session, review everything you have read, making special notes of important points.
Avoid distractions
The conveniences of home study can quickly become the greatest distraction. Create your own learning space that is quiet and away from distractions. An hour with the TV can quickly turn into a night.
Learn how you learn
Are you a night owl or an early bird? Do you prefer group discussions, reading alone or writing a report? Distance learning should be adaptable to your learning style. The more aware you are of your strengths, the easier you can adapt and maximize the course to your needs. Remember one thing, you are here in LCCI's Distance Learning mode to learn what is really useful in the workplace over the long run, not just to get the certificate, so make sure you're learning, not just racing through the materials.
Find Study-Buddies
Make sure you know someone doing the same course with whom you can brainstorm, discuss problems, and so forth. You will find your study-buddies and also receive support through our Peer Group Forums, in a bi-monthly basis, held at the coffee shop or restaurant. If your study-buddies are not from the same geographical location, you can be in touch with them through emails.
Stay in touch with us
There are thousands of candidates all over the world who take LCCI via the Distance Learning Program every year. So you are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way. So please stay in touch with us. Ask us any question and we will answer you. Please also inform us about any changes in your address, phone number or email address as soon as possible.
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