Tips for Self-Directed Learning
With the way technology has boomed over the last 10 years, students are being encouraged to become self-directed learners. The old-school method of writing lesson objectives on a whiteboard is becoming an outdated practice; with interactive-based self-directed learning coming to the forefront instead (especially with the onset of COVID-19).
If students want to succeed in this ever changing environment, they should learn to become self-directed learners. For example, many teachers provide videos for their students to watch at home and analyze for themselves, or if a student does online schooling, they will have to adjust to learning without a physical mentor there to guide them. This requires more discipline and dedication. Here are some tips you can follow in order to succeed as a self-directed learner:
Manage your time correctly
This is a huge thing that many first-time self-directed learners miss – managing time. It’s all too easy to start that assignment due on Friday on the morning of, but you’ll soon find out that this will come back to bite you. Just like in a regular school setting, you must study beforehand and not let the end-of-the-week deadline fool you.
Don’t assume online learning is easier
Many people have the misconception that online learning is easier than traditional learning, but this is not the case. Without the allocated school time to study and take notes, you have to make time within your own schedule and take on that responsibility yourself. You have to learn topics yourself, make sure you are keeping up with your assigned readings, homework, assignments, quizzes, and more. You also have to prepare in advance for midterms and finals. Talk about pressure!
Make a rewards system
Self-directed learning doesn’t have to be miserable and boring. Make a rewards system where when you complete the tasks for the week, you have a treat; whether that be a movie day with friends, or going out to your favorite place to eat. It’s important to have that time to relax and distance yourself from school.
Take time off
Don’t study for prolonged periods of time everyday on the same subjects. You will wear yourself out and sometimes, this can hinder the learning process. It’s been proven that a couple hours a day of studying is more beneficial than 8 hours on the same subject. Allocate times for relaxation, and say to yourself; “I’m not going to study past 6 p.m.” for example. This will give you those allocated hours to study, but you then have time to eat, relax and wind down before going to bed for the night.
Get a healthy amount of sleep
There are an abundant amount of studies that prove how sleep affects our daily lives. If you’ve ever had interrupted sleep and went to school or work the next day, you’ll know about this firsthand. As previously mentioned, it’s important to allocate your time correctly so you can have time to relax before you go to sleep. If you study late, you’re likely going to stay up late, and this creates an ongoing negative cycle.
Wake up early
You may be reading this and thinking “No way! This is the benefit of doing online school!” but waking up early is extremely important when creating a healthy routine, education-wise as well as from a personal standpoint. Waking up early keeps you in a good routine, where you can maximize the day and go to bed at a good time. There have been studies that prove that waking up early is better for your health, so although you may get the same 9 hours of sleep by going to bed at 1 a.m. and waking up at 10 a.m., you’re doing yourself a disservice, physically as well as mentally.
Utilize a tutor
Self-directed learning can be challenging for many people, so utilizing a tutor is recommended. Even if you aren’t struggling, a tutor can help you attain higher grades and thus, a higher and more competitive GPA.
Miles Smart Tutoring, a family-owned and operated tutoring company based in St. Petersburg, Florida, may be the right option for you.
We offer in-person and online tutoring services, so no matter where you are located in the U.S., you have access to our top-of-the-line tutors. We hire 2 out of every 10 tutors that we interview because we are so selective about the level of services we provide to our students.
Our results speak for themselves. We have helped students gain $22 million in grants and scholarships due to an increase in SAT, ACT and LSAT scores. We were the recipient of the 2019 ‘Best of St. Petersburg Award in the Area of Tutoring Services,’ and we are proud to maintain our 5-star Google rating.
If you want help with self-directed learning, whether you are an online student or not, we are here to assist you. We truly care for our students and their wellbeing, and that’s what makes us different. We have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and ensure that you will be happy with the services you receive from us. You can visit our website: www.milessmarttutoring.com, or call us: (813) 328-3036 to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!
