As we grow up and complete our formative schooling years, one thing is drilled into us: we are being prepared for the "working world". Many of us then enter the "working world" fully committed to learning on-the-go, developing skills that are relevant to our jobs and fine-tuning soft skills.
What we leave behind and often forget is how to study. Life creeps up on us, commitments take up a lot of “brain space” and cognitive resources as adults are almost always directed towards taking care of family, running a household and completing tasks at work successfully enough to maintain employment.
Once we have fully established ourselves in the working world, the ability to sit down and focus on studying fades away. Then, almost suddenly, we are hit with news that we must UPSKILL, RESKILL OR PASS A TEST to move vertically within our work, to migrate to foreign lands or gain accreditation/registration.
Now, as adults, we must learn how to study again! To study, by definition, is to engage in systematic and focused learning, examination, or investigation of a subject matter. It involves dedicating time and effort to acquire knowledge, understand concepts, and develop skills related to a particular topic or field of study.
Studying can take various forms, including reading, research, practice, experimentation, and analysis, depending on the nature of the subject being studied and the learning objectives. It is a fundamental aspect of education and personal development, allowing individuals to expand their understanding, deepen their expertise, and achieve their academic or professional goals.
So how does a fully grown adult, with a family to care for, a household to run, a job to do and major financial commitments return to studying? Returning to studying as an adult can be a fulfilling and transformative journey, but it requires careful planning and dedication, especially when balancing other commitments such as work and family. Here is the Perth IELTS and PTE Tutoring method of how to return to studying successfully; a comprehensive framework to help adults ease into a studying routine and cultivate a productive studying mindset:
Now this can all seem very overwhelming and all too much, but we need to start somewhere!
Let's break each step down:
SET CLEAR GOALS: Begin by defining your objectives for returning to studying. Whether it's advancing your career, acquiring new skills, or pursuing personal interests, having clear goals will give your studying direction and purpose.
ASSESS YOUR COMMITMENTS: Take stock of your current commitments, including work, family responsibilities, and social engagements. Understanding your existing obligations will help you carve out dedicated time for studying without neglecting other important aspects of your life.
CREATE A REALISTIC SCHEDULE: Design a study schedule that aligns with your daily routine and commitments. Identify pockets of time where you can focus solely on studying, such as early mornings, evenings, or weekends. Be realistic about the amount of time you can devote to studying each day or week, considering your other responsibilities.
PRIORITIZE CONSISTENCY OVER INTENSITY: Consistency is key to successful studying. Aim for regular, smaller study sessions rather than sporadic, marathon sessions. Even dedicating just 30 minutes a day to studying can yield significant progress over time.
ESTABLISH A DEDICATED STUDY SPACE: Designate a specific area in your home or workplace where you can study without distractions. Ensure that this space is comfortable, well-lit and equipped with all the necessary study materials.
ELIMINIATE DISTRACTIONS: Minimize distractions during your study sessions by silencing your phone, disabling notifications, and avoiding multitasking. Create boundaries with family members or roommates to ensure uninterrupted study time.
BREAK DOWN TASKS INTO MANAGEABLE STEPS: Large tasks can feel overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Create a study plan outlining what you need to accomplish each day or week and celebrate your progress as you tick off completed tasks.
STAY ORGANISED: Keep track of your study materials, deadlines, and progress using tools such as calendars, to-do lists, or study apps. Staying organized will help you stay on top of your studies and prevent last-minute cramming.
PRACTICE SELF-CARE: Prioritize self-care to maintain your physical and mental well-being throughout your studying journey. Make time for activities that recharge you, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
EMBRACE A GROWTH MINDSET: Approach studying with a positive attitude and a growth mindset, believing that your abilities can improve with effort and practice. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and development, and don't be afraid to seek support from peers, mentors, or tutors when needed.
By following this framework and adopting a disciplined yet flexible approach to studying, adults can successfully integrate learning into their busy lives and embark on a rewarding educational journey. Remember that progress may be gradual, but with persistence and determination, you can achieve your academic and personal goals.
Now because PIAPT is a English language proficiency tutoring company, my NEXT focus is going to be on how to prepare adults for English proficiency tests like IELTS and PTE Academic!
Thank you for making it all the way to the end! Head to perthieltstutor.com if you'd like to learn more about tutoring sessions with me or stay tuned for more posts and free material here! You can also get in touch with me below or leave a comment.
Love, Reena
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