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Mature study and retraining

Talk to other Mumsnetters who are considering a career change or are mature students.

Original poster

I have no idea how to study!

10 replies

JorisBonson · 30/08/2023 13:31

I'm studying for an exam for the first time in about 25 years - professional, and very dry, boring. subject matter. I have 83 days to go. It's multiple choice, but the answers are all very similarly worded so attention needs to be paid.

I'm a skim reader with the attention span of a flea. I'm not a natural note taker and zone out when I'm bored.

For reference, I only did 2 GCSE's which I didn't study for (very long story). No other exams in my life. I am have dyspraxia and I am also waiting an ADHD assessment. I have extra exam time to account for my dyspraxia.

Any tips or tricks very much appreciated!

OP posts:
OriginalUsername2 · 30/08/2023 13:37

My dd and myself have sort of similar brains. We find literally copying facts in handwriting the quickest way to understand and learn. Might work for you!

DD found this out by accident when making revision cards.

GeraldTheGoodMouse · 30/08/2023 13:45

Novelty is key IME.

Handwriting generally helps with remembering more than typing.

Use lots of colour, post it notes, sharpie markers, make posters to dot around the house with key 'facts' and stuff you need to learn.

Do past papers before starting to test what you already know and where your gaps are.

Madcats · 30/08/2023 13:53

Do a few past papers and mark them honestly. When you make a mistake is it because you didn't read the question properly (mistaking "does" vs "does not") or is it because you didn't know the topic. That should help you narrow down what to focus on.

If you don't like reading, could you record and listen to what you need to learn. Typically, most people need to do something more active than simply reading a topic for the facts to sink in.

Once you are secure in a topic, revisit it quickly each week to keep the knowledge fresh in your memory.

Good luck

Wildermess · 30/08/2023 13:59

I’m really interested in how you progressed from two GCSEs to studying for professional exams!

And also - why do you find your exam subject boring? The key to assimilating information is, surely, finding the information interesting, or at least satisfying in some way.

(A tip - if you’re likely to be using this knowledge in your current / future career it truly is worth making as much effort as possible to get on top of it. Don’t think of it as boring - think of it as a means to besting your opponent in a crucial meeting …)

ImperialCrusade · 30/08/2023 14:24

I would highly recommend the course "Learning How To Learn". It's available for free on Coursera https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn (you don't need to pay for a certificate, just sign up to audit the course).

A few hours invested in taking the course now should make your studying much more effective and efficient. Good luck!

GeraldTheGoodMouse · 30/08/2023 14:36

I’m really interested in how you progressed from two GCSEs to studying for professional exams!

I'm obviously not the OP, but some of us had shit times at school for all sorts of reasons (un-diagnosed disabilities, as per OP, for example) and took a more scenic route through education.

Original poster
JorisBonson · 30/08/2023 14:53

ImperialCrusade · 30/08/2023 14:24

I would highly recommend the course "Learning How To Learn". It's available for free on Coursera https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn (you don't need to pay for a certificate, just sign up to audit the course).

A few hours invested in taking the course now should make your studying much more effective and efficient. Good luck!

This is excellent, thank you!

I'm obviously not the OP, but some of us had shit times at school for all sorts of reasons (un-diagnosed disabilities, as per OP, for example) and took a more scenic route through education.

Scenic is a fantastic word and totally fits the bill! I'm not in a profession where I need any qualifications but I need to pass this exam to move into a different area.

OP posts:
Wildermess · 30/08/2023 14:54

@GeraldTheGoodMouse - yes … that’s the starting point of the question. I wasn’t asking if it happened, I was asking for the OP’s specific experience - as it might be encouraging for others.

GeraldTheGoodMouse · 30/08/2023 15:00

Wildermess · 30/08/2023 14:54

@GeraldTheGoodMouse - yes … that’s the starting point of the question. I wasn’t asking if it happened, I was asking for the OP’s specific experience - as it might be encouraging for others.

Apologies, I read it as snippy when that wasn't your intention.

For me, I just don't learn in a way that fitted with school, scraped 3 O Level passes, worked for a few years, and went back to education as an adult and found that I was pretty good at it. Have been dipping in and out ever since, was eventually diagnosed autistic, and should hopefully soon have a PhD 🤞🏼

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