How to Make Self-Study an Effective and Enriching Process? Tips for Distance Learning Students

In the absence of a tutor or regular classroom sessions, self-study is a predominant method of learning and preparation. This pattern of study is very much evident amongst distance learning students, who interface with their faculty only on “requirement” basis.

As distance education is becoming the chosen route for higher education, for students and working professionals, the onus is on self-study methodologies, which will yield the best results.

Self-study in distance education should be approached with discipline and dedication and, will outline the following principles:

Engage in regular study and not last-minute cramming

As self-study is directed by self-paced learning, there is always a tendency to leave everything to last-minute preparation. This ends in cramming in the last- minute, with no understanding of the subject/chapters under discussion. Rote learning is not suited to the modern/innovative pedagogical structure adopted by most Distance Education universities. So, to ensure that you come out with flying colours, follow a regular study-pattern.

Regular study pattern through online timetables

If you are pursuing your higher studies while on job, the best way to be in regular touch with studies is through a study timetable. Chart out weekly schedules, daily schedules, targets and deadlines for self-assessing assignments and model tests. Social networking sites such as Facebook feature apps, which help you to create and customize timetables for your need. In addition, many Distance Learning Universities such as SMU-DE have an online platform EduNxt, with many channels and interfaces to aid self-assessment.

Self-study through collaborative learning and social networking

Sites such as Facebook and twitter sport a vast number of users spread across the globe. Through these sites, it will be easier network with students from the same academic background or pursuing some distance-learning course from the same university. Creating a knowledge network through such channels, will create a platform for collaborative study. In this platform, knowledge exchange and sharing can take place, along with doubt clarifications etc. To elaborate, SMU-DE uses its Facebook identity to interface with its students and allows them to network amongst themselves as well.

Research online for more knowledge resources

The global pool of resources spells easy and anytime access. To learn more about any topic or a subject of your distance-learning course, a query through yahoo or Google will give a flurry of results. The answer to your query will be in the list of results displayed in the online search. Make sure you check the authenticity of the information source before you confirm the answer.

Make notes online/offline

Keeping notes while self-studying not only helps to keep track of what you have learnt so far, but also makes for later reference. With technology-driven interfaces, you can even make notes or jot down points on your PC tablet or desktop, which ever you access more frequently.

Effective self-study techniques will invite more participation in the global learning space, where every study-process can be made insightful and enriching.