The Q: What are the most useful study methods for distance students?

The A: I believe the most important trait distance learners need is discipline. When you're away from campus, away from your professor, away from your classmates, and learning outside of an academic environment, it can be frighteningly easy to lose your focus. Different people deal with this differently, but personally, I believe the best way to keep yourself on the ball is to create a little bubble of academia in your home (or wherever you take your distance learning courses).

Schedule specific times to study -- and don't let yourself back out. Close yourself off from the non-academic world for a set time each day. Eliminate everyday distractions (phone calls, online chatting with friends, work, family, TV/radio, etc.) and concentrate on your studies. Make studying as important a part of your day as dinner or your morning shower. If you can, try not to study in your bedroom or in any other place you normally relax. Generally speaking, you don’t want to confuse your brain by trying to work in the same places you sleep or play.

Also consider printing out important items; many people find they can remember material more easily when it’s printed out on paper rather than displayed on a monitor.

The big difference between on-campus learning and distance learning is usually that there’s a lot less in your environment that’ll force you to bear down and get your work done. So, it’s up to you to keep yourself motivated and prevent yourself from getting too distracted.

Beyond that, I’d advise the same kind of thing I’d advise anyone, whether they’re distance learners or not: do your assigned work on time, don’t miss classes, keep up with readings, get in touch with your professor if you have trouble understanding anything, take lots of notes (and reveiew them often) and try to keep yourself involved through participation and online discussion.

This collection of articles from Peterson's (a publisher of college guides) also provides a little extra advice; might be worth a look.

Best of luck; write back if we can be of any more help!

—Myles Helfand, General Advisor

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