In this article, learn about the study habits that will set you up for success throughout your online learning journey.
So, you’ve enrolled in an OpenClassrooms Career Path, or you are about to, and you are wondering how to fit your studies into your life. We have you covered.
Here’s the plan:
1. Set expectations with your mentor
Right from the start of your program, you’ll discuss with your mentor your goals, your lifestyle and your concerns.
Why are you studying in the first place? What are your career goals? When are you hoping to finish your program? What areas of your life will you be juggling with your coursework? What do you feel will be your biggest challenges?
Your mentor will help you gain perspective on how to fit your studies into your life and how to organize yourself for success.
2. Make your study schedule
After getting advice from your mentor, create your game plan. Look at the times you have available to dedicate to your studies each week. Write your study plan down. Print it out or enter it into your calendar.
The more you plan, and the more carefully considered your study schedule is, the less you are likely stray off track. And remember, if you need to modify your plan at anytime throughout your program, that’s ok! It is all part of the process.
3. Study in designated blocks
Experience has shown that studying in smaller periods of time more frequently can set you up for greater success. Experiment what works best for you.
For those juggling full-time jobs, consider a schedule of 30 to 90 minutes during weekdays with 4- to 6-hour blocks on weekends. This schedule can be quite manageable.
For those with more time for their studies, designate blocks of time for studying with enriching, short, study breaks that boost your energy.
4. Find a study buddy
The more accountability you have the easier it is to stay motivated and succeed. Connect with your fellow students on the OC student network, Workplace and ask someone to be your study partner. It can be great to bounce ideas off each other and discuss subjects.
Throughout your programs, your roles will be to keep each other accountable. Share your study plans. Check in every time you complete a study session or project, and when you know a study session or project is coming up for your partner reach out. Sharing your wins and struggles with your study buddy will reinforce your commitment.
5. Designate your study locations
Think ahead and decide on where you will be studying. Most people work best in the quiet. Keep doors closed, and make sure family or others around you know that you need to focus.
You might be someone who works best with some non-intrusive background music – if so, try classical, ambient music or brain.fm to keep you on track.
Whether you are working at home or somewhere else, like a library or café, keep your workspace uncluttered and comfortable so you can concentrate on the task at hand.
6. Avoid distractions
Turn off your mobile phone, or put it on airplane mode, and keep social media closed on your internet browser! Maybe you could check your notifications as a reward after a block of study.
Be mindful of anything that is likely to be a rabbit hole of distraction, and remove it.
7. Energy
Looking after your mind, involves looking after your body.
Fuel your brain with healthy food and snacks, avoid junk food, and keep hydrated with water. Get the best sleep you can so you are fresh for your studies. And consider exercise. Even if it is a ten-minute routine you follow on youtube during your study breaks or a 30-minute morning jog, get your heart pumping to boost your brainpower.
8. Long term goals
When coursework is demanding more time than you feel like you have to give or if you are having a lull in motivation, remind yourself why you decided to pursue your diploma program in the first place.
These were the reasons you started the program, and these are the reasons that should motivate you to continue. Consider rehashing them with your mentor and your study buddy to help them sink back in.
9. Motivational quotes
It may sound a bit corny, but you can find some really powerful motivational quotes that will give you the pep you need to stay positive. Print some out and stick them on the wall around where you are studying.
Here is one of our favorites:
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. —Eleanor Roosevelt
10. Keep your eye on the prize
Write down the reasons you are studying. Detail just what it is you hope to achieve with your new competencies and qualifications. Also write down why you want to achieve those things and what it would mean to you if you did.
Then, make sure to stick this paper on the wall next your motivational quotes. And make sure to read them all aloud whenever you need an extra boost in motivation.
Do you know any other good online study tips? Share them in the comments to help your fellow students. Happy studies!
