Finding the right technique/method to study

fannyanna

I wasn’t really sure where to post this so apologise if it’s not the most relevant subject but this is the section of the site that I know best.

Basically I’ve never been good at studies. I’ve tried to attain a few qualifications in my time and have always quit. I seem to do well in a class based environment (and homework etc) but crumble when it comes to exams. I think it’s because I can’t revise or take on board knowledge that I try to learn myself. A few years ago I started a professional qualification that was based on distance learning and it was a complete nightmare. I ended up giving up.

I’d really like to think about doing some studies but I need to overcome this problem first. But I’ve got no idea where to start. I know it sounds stupid but are there courses for learning how to learn?

InsideInsurance

There seems to be two issues:

1) Actual learning/ exams
2) Motivation/ planning

For (1), do you do well in projects/ coursework where you have to apply your learning to new situation and its just exams you do badly in (ie its a pressure issue) or do you do fairly badly in both in which case it is an actual issue on learning.

If its actual learning then at least one set of theorists talk about learning/ thinking styles and these are often linked to one of the 5 senses. They test which you are by doing word association and so if someone says waterfall do you see a waterfall, hear a waterfall, feel the waterfall on you etc and then repeat with other objects (eg strawberry, do you see, taste or smell one?).

Once you know your "style" you can then (a) tailor your revision to suite your preference and (b) to a certain amount know what you're likely to be good at and not. eg Visual thinkers are supposed to be very quick, very logical but not so good at remember long lists (so good at sciences/ maths and not so good at languages)


For (2), things are more complex. It sounds like you like the structure of class with a tutor that "tells you off" if you dont do homework etc. When left to your own devices you either find it hard to find time to study and/ or arent motivated to do it.

Setting your own routine which is as immutable as if it were a proper class can work, so you always do study between 6-8 on a Thursday even if it is sunny and all your mates are going to the beer garden but it takes willpower and motivation. Having a definite goal can help rather than doing it for doing it's sake. Some find self rewards can help (a chocolate cake if you pass each module) but if you lack willpower then you'll just buy it anyway.

Personally, I would argue some are set up for academia and some arent. I am certainly in the not category and other than short courses I wouldnt ever bother doing a qualification because I know myself and know I wont put in the hours it requires.

fannyanna

It’s definitely the actual learning that is a problem for me.

I just can’t seem to do well with anything where there’s self study. Whether it’s revising something that’s already been taught or having to learn something from a book for the first time.

I suppose when it comes to exams I also need to learn how to apply my learning. I guess there's a technique to doing exams that could be learnt.

I agree that some people find studying more natural. But I like to think that for those like me there's a way of teaching yourself the skills needed.

Carl31

Sound like part of the problem is you tell yourself you cant do it, which creates a barrier and an excuse. My wife does that, she was told throughout her school life she wasnt clever, now believes it. When it comes to accademic matters she struggles

Everyone can study, it just requires perceverance and dedication

Can you drive? you must have learnt that. How does that work? Youre told the theory, ypu put the theory into practice, you then repeat the practice. Apply the same method to study. Learn the theory, then challenge yourself by answering questions in the matter. Failing that, use einsteins theory - you only really understand something if you can explain it to your grandmother

fannyanna

Carl31 - you're right to a certain extent. I've always written myself off in the past. Lately I've been thinking about studying and realise I can't just use the excuse that I can't study.

That's why I'm posting. I know that if I want to do it I at least need to try. But at the same time I have to be realistic and acknowledge that I don't seem to have developed the knack of studying. But like you said it's something I can learn. I'm just trying to figure out how lol.

GlynD

Have you tried the Open University? I have found that their teaching method is very easy to follow and leaves lots of time for those who find it difficult to study. Many of the initial assessments are done at home and using text books so it's easy to reference anything you write.

fishybusiness

Have you tried the Open University? I have found that their teaching method is very easy to follow and leaves lots of time for those who find it difficult to study.

I found the opposite

I found OU quite soul destroying as I like to be around others when learning, even if it just to share stories of how much pressure I feel under, or which exam I don't want to do.

@fannyanna

Basically I’ve never been good at studies. I’ve tried to attain a few qualifications in my time and have always quit. I seem to do well in a class based environment (and homework etc) but crumble when it comes to exams.

If you know you will do well in a class environment, why not go back to that way of learning rather than distance learning?

When you say you crumble in exams, is it that you are too stressed on exam day, or can't put the time in studying due to practical reasons, or don't know how to revise, or something else?

One thing that springs to mind is that many courses now teach learning skills, which are pretty much essential - have you been taught how to learn, and how to find your own learning style?

Dunroamin

Do you want to study something theoretical or something practical?

GlynD

fishybusiness wrote: »

I found the opposite

I found OU quite soul destroying as I like to be around others when learning, even if it just to share stories of how much pressure I feel under, or which exam I don't want to do.

<snip>

The OU offers lectures where all students can sit down together plus they have a discussion forum for each course.

Maybe this wasn't the case when you were studying with them but it is now.

fishybusiness

The OU offers lectures where all students can sit down together plus they have a discussion forum for each course.

Maybe I am a bit out of date. We had tutorials at 'local' colleges and universities, plus a bit of online contact, nothing more.

Dunroamin

fishybusiness wrote: »

Maybe I am a bit out of date. We had tutorials at 'local' colleges and universities, plus a bit of online contact, nothing more.

I agree - I've never heard of the OU having lectures.