Modern study skills & methods

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Can anyone recommend any courses or books on modern study skills and methods?

Having done no formal study in 20+ years, I think I need to learn how to study before I start a course in anything.

Thanks in advance 😀

I was a mature student and so understand that there can be some questions/anxiety about returning to study, but you don't need to learn how to study before starting a course.

If it's at access to/degree level, the university website will have tips and information on developing study skills, note taking, and even how to read efficiently.

Set time (and a place?) for study
Discipline - limit distractions to maximise focus
Listen and take notes of main points
Re-read and organise notes directly after a class
Use different highlighter colours to organise/separate different points
Apply as necessary, Who, Why, Where, What and How, to answer questions fully

There are also tips/tricks like playing background music at a certain tempo that stimulates the brain when studying, and even looking at a candle flame to train focus.

I was capable of focusing totally on an assignment for 12 hours at a time - a friend says I'm a bit OCD but I'm just not easily bored which means that I can binge watch a tv series for hours at a time!😜

I also found that I could "rest" by switching to a different subject as this kept my interest level from falling and allowed me to study for longer periods.

What sort of study level are you contemplating OP?

I think it would give me more confidence & be a good intro though. I’m not sure what course yet - probably A-Level standard or Open University.

thanks for your comments.

Open University generally incorporates study skills into their courses, because people who haven't studied for a while are basically their demographic!

The skills you need depend on what level you will be studying at. Eg there is a postgraduate study skills course on OpenLearn, but that won't be relevant if you are going to do an Alevel.

Maybe try some OpenLearn courses generally to get back into studying? They're all free so nothing to lose.

What's your ultimate goal with studying again? Because that's also relevant.

You mention possibly A’ Level standard? What was your highest level of exam 20 years ago?

(I did an MA nearly 30 years after my first degree; didn’t need any intervening qualification.)

Thank you, I had not heard of OpenLearn. I think that will be a good place to start.

My aim is to learn something new for my own interest, with a view to doing an OU degree at some point in the future.

In that case OpenLearn is probably perfect for you as it is from the OU and therefore lots of the free OpenLearn courses are based on extracts from OU degree courses.

Good way to get a taste of the options you're considering before you commit.

I am studying for my degree with the open university at the moment, I hadn't studied for over 20 years when I started. I had no a-levels. I went straight into the degree, and it's been absolutely fine. The level one modules ease you back into studying with lots of study skills being taught throughout. I also read this book, which is great....

Thanks, that looks really useful. One of the reviews says the author has a podcast too, so that’ll be good to check out.

While I was doing an OU degree a few years ago, I did a free course on Coursera that covered a number of techniques for learning and studying more effectively. I found it really helpful as I'd previously struggled a lot with procrastination and memorising information for exams.

You can sign up for free (when you enroll, pick the "audit for free" option) and you don't have to do the homework if you don't want to - you can just watch the videos in your own time.

It's called 'Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects'

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn#modules

As PP have said, the OU is great for this and will provide lots of resources to help you. When you study a module you’re given an interactive ‘study planner’ which keeps you on track. Also seconding the OU’s Open Learn which is extracts from previous modules.

I used to handwrite my notes but found them very dry to go back through, so now I create little presentations of key points on each topic using Google Slides. Then later on deliver the presentation to my cat.

I did an access course with the OU before I started my degree. It was fully funded and gave me an insight into whether I could stick to a course and learn new skills. Apparently if you do the access course you are 30% more likely to finish your degree.

@CyanCrystalViolet you must have a very clever cat!