The Return to Study Handbook: Study Skills for Mature, Distance, and Workplace Learners

Have you learned how to learn? Written especially for professional or distance learners, part-time or mature students, and formal CPD qualification candidates, The Return to Study Handbook will teach you how to study effectively, ace your ongoing education, and get the grades you need to advance in your career.

Whether you need to balance your learning with full or part-time work, or overcome the 'mindset gremlins' stemming from a negative school experience, this book will empower you to effectively manage your own learning and provide you with the full range of mental and practical skills you need to succeed.

Packed with practical tools, tips, exercises, case studies and strategies, plus the author's own inspirational story, The Return to Study Handbook not only covers the study skills necessary for any student to be successful - such as effective note-taking; exam technique; and essay writing - but it specifically addresses relevant topics for non-traditional students. With advice on recommended technology aids; handling procrastination and distractions; dealing with overwhelm and avoiding burnout; managing distance learning; and overcoming the mental and emotional barriers of past experiences, this book will guide you through everything you need to achieve the grades and career you want.

CONTENTS

About the author
Foreword by Dr Liz Marr
Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART ONE Getting ready for further study
01 Independent learning
Sink or swim
Independent learning skills
02 Embrace your non-traditionalism as a student
Mature students
Distance learners
Workplace learners
03 How to prepare for higher education
How to prepare for your first (or next) module
How to start each module with a bang
Advice for new students
The importance of your support network
04 Goal setting
Why set study goals?
What study goals should I set myself?
Seven steps for setting epic study goals
Make it happen
PART TWO Mindset and motivation
05 Mindset
Talent vs hard work
Fixed vs growth mindset
Mindset gremlins
The power of positivity
06 Motivation
One-day motivation
Everyday motivation
The big motivation myth
What to do when you don’t feel like studying
PART THREE Organization and productivity
07 Organization
Physical studying organization
Digital studying organization
The importance of backups
How to prepare yourself and your space
How to create an awesome study plan
How to actually stick to your study plan
Work–life balance
08 Productivity
Best study self
How to plan for a productive week
Study session planner
Study breaks
The Pomodoro Technique
The dangers of multitasking
How to study effectively when you have a job
How to study with a family
How to create a kick-butt study routine
09 The dark side of productivity
The five-step anti-procrastination method
How to deal with overwhelm
How to study when you’re tired
How to catch up when you’ve fallen behind
Self-care over burnout
PART FOUR Classes, note taking and assignment skills
10 Classes
The importance of attending classes
How to get the most out of your classes
Class troubleshooting
11 Note taking
Common note-taking mistakes
Taking great notes
Note-taking location clues
Note-taking content clues
How to take notes
12 Essay writing
Planning
Writing
Editing
PART FIVE Exam preparation
13 Exam revision
Exam investigation
Key exam principles
Active revision techniques
Specific techniques for different exam types
Advice for multiple exams
The three core revision activities
Create a revision plan
How to develop a positive revision mindset
14 Exam performance
How to develop a positive exam mindset
How to prepare for your upcoming exam
How to kick butt in your exam
What to do after your exam
PART SIX Personal development
15 Continuous improvement
Three ways you can shake up your studying to achieve the grades you really want
You are a good student
References
Index

Hours to read: 5 - 6
Total words: 70k