Go the Distance!
Or How to Do Well in a Distance Learning Programme
Many people often find it difficult to finish a distance learning programme successfully. Realistically, things happen. Work becomes busy. You become sick. Someone else becomes sick. Your kids are distracting you. You run out of money. All sorts of things – things which conspire to delay or stop you from successfully completing.
It is also different if you do only a short course, but when you are doing a degree programme, that is a considerable investment of time and effort.
Here are some steps for success:
1. Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve
If you know where and what your destination is, it is easier to plan for it. Look at your work and study schedule, see what other events are happening in your life and decide how much time you can allocate. It is worthwhile writing the ‘end goal’ (e.g. what you want to prove in your hypothesis) and sticking it up in places where you will constantly be reminded (e.g. fridge doors, mirrors, back of your front door).
2. Plan a ‘roadmap’ and stick to it
The saying ‘Many people don’t plan to fail – they fail to plan’ often rings true. If you want to be assured of success, you have to plan your studies like a military operation. Successful students build in objectives and milestones into their timelines. Some create Gantt charts, or use project management software – complete with alarms and reminders. This can also serve as a visual reminder and stimulant. You feel more motivated as you see the objectives being achieved/ticked off one by one.
3. Take regular breaks!
It is important to clear your mind every now and then. Go and do something fun that you enjoy, spend time with people you love. This gets rid of your intellectual cabin fever. You can come back to the work with fresh untired eyes.
4. Get regular feedback
Don’t behave like Superman. Get feedback from your supervisor(s) regularly. It is better to know you are on the right track than to get a nasty shock after 6 months of hard work. Think of your supervisor like the captain of your boat – s/he can give you direction when your boat goes adrift.
5. Use other pairs of eyes
You can get too ‘close’ to your work. Sometimes, it is hard to see the forest for the trees. That’s why it is good to discuss your ideas with other parties and let them read what you have done (whether they are an expert in the subject or not). They might come up with questions or ideas that you hadn’t thought about.
6. Don’t be daunted
There will be times when you feel at a loss, or when things just aren’t going right. Don’t give up. Take a break, come back when you feel better or more motivated. Think of it as building a legacy, and if the Pharaohs had given up, we wouldn’t have amazing pyramids to gawp at today.
So, if you organise yourself and keep to your schedule, you will ace your distance learning programme in no time.
Written by Dr Julian Ng
