{"id":3532,"date":"2014-09-11T20:44:14","date_gmt":"2014-09-12T03:44:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=3532"},"modified":"2014-09-11T20:46:44","modified_gmt":"2014-09-12T03:46:44","slug":"adult-education-8-tips-mature-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/adult-education-8-tips-mature-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Adult Education: 8 Tips for Mature Students"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"adult_education\"<\/a>How do you juggle studying as a mature student in adult education while holding down a day job? Continuing professional development (CPD)<\/a> helps to maintain and build your employability throughout your career. However, it can be a bit of a shock if you’ve been out of higher education for a while. Here are 8 top tips to help you in adult education:<\/p>\n

Organize yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n

Whatever you anticipate in terms of the time you will spend on your course, double it.\u00a0Once you get the bug for studying, it can easily consume you.\u00a0Get organized so you are prepared for the relentless demand for assignments and contributions in adult education.\u00a0That means ring fencing time in your diary, delegating more, saying no, and being aware of your learning style and adopting ways to play to your preferences.\u00a0And don\u2019t forget that includes taking the lives of your loved ones into account.<\/p>\n

The library isn\u2019t like it used to be!<\/strong><\/p>\n

For some of you, when you last did some serious studying the world probably didn\u2019t have a Twitter, a LinkedIn or a Wikipedia.\u00a0You might only have gone to the Library.\u00a0Academia is now using the power of search engines, online libraries and online forums for cohorts to share, learn and access materials.\u00a0You can no longer be late with your assignment and say the dog ate your homework.\u00a0The Web means the volume of information out there is too big for anyone, so be selective and disciplined.<\/p>\n

Remember to be you<\/strong><\/p>\n

Getting into the rhythm of regular study can be bumpy for some.\u00a0A common reason is self-limiting beliefs like \u2018I\u2019m not as good as others on the course, \u2018I don\u2019t have enough\/too much to say\u2019 and \u2018I don\u2019t know what they are looking for\u2019.\u00a0You don\u2019t have to keep up with the neighbours, there are usually no definitive answers, say what you believe and hold your educators to account about what and how it is required.\u00a0Show relentless curiosity and remember to be you.<\/p>\n

Actively reflect<\/strong><\/p>\n

A return to studying in adult education is a wonderful opportunity to do something many people fail to find time for in the workplace and that\u2019s to reflect.\u00a0Reflecting used to be seen as a solitary activity and a poor cousin of \u2018doing\u2019 which is valued more highly in Western cultures.\u00a0Reflecting in today\u2019s digital world is far more proactive.\u00a0Tweeting, blogging, joining communities of practice online or in person, keeping a video\/audio or old-fashioned written diary are all ways for you to actively reflect in support of your learning.<\/p>\n

Put first things first<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of Stephen Covey\u2019s seven habits for highly effective people is \u201cput first things first\u201d<\/em>.\u00a0\u00a0In other words, managing yourself is about organizing and executing around priorities to achieve results.\u00a0Focus on what is important to you and what urgently needs doing and manage the distractions.\u00a0Just ensure that prioritizing doesn\u2019t become \u201can avoidance strategy\u201d <\/em>which, according to journalist and self-help commentator, Oliver Burkeman, results in simply reorganizing your \u2018to do\u2019 list.<\/p>\n

Self-awareness helps<\/strong><\/p>\n

Self-aware people understand their preferences, how they like to do things and what they are good at.\u00a0They can describe their approach to time – attention to detail, systematic, spontaneous, last minute, early finisher, caring so they prioritize other people\u2019s needs over their own etc.\u00a0They find techniques and approaches that work for them, play to their strengths and know who to rely on and when.<\/p>\n

Beware of these time stealers<\/strong><\/p>\n