With online learning, you have the flexibility to fit study around your life. While courses have start and end dates, and assessment and exam dates to plan around, there’s no set schedule. You decide when you will study – you're in control!
Here's how to plan your studies, manage your time, and balance it with everything else in your life.
Steps to help you plan your time
When you study there are different levels of planning you can do:
- Course calendar – This will help you see the big picture for your course(s), including when you may be busier because of assessments or personal commitments
- Weekly study plan – To help you lock in regular study sessions
- Planning each study session – Taking a few minutes at the start of each session to set some goals will help you to focus.
First of all, when you start your course, get a good study plan in place and stick to it because if you procrastinate and you let it all bunch up it can be hard. But it doesn’t have to be much – just small chunks at a time. It’s about getting on top of it!
Rebecca Lambert-Lane - Bachelor of Applied Science graduate
Planning your study sessions
Once you know when you will be studying, spend a little time each week setting goals and planning your study sessions. At the start of each session take a few minutes to:
- Decide what you want to achieve (your goals) and write them down. This makes them more real and will help you to commit to them. See the section on setting SMART goals below
- Work out what you need to do to meet those goals
- Break the work into manageable chunks of time
- Prioritise what you need to focus on first
- Set a mini deadline for each task.
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Setting SMART goals
Setting SMART goals for your study will help you plan, focus and use your time effectively.
Specific
This means deciding exactly what you will do and what you want to achieve. For example, 'Complete Modules 1 and 2' is more specific than 'Read the first part of the learning material'.
Measurable
How will you track your progress or know you have achieved your goal? For example, if your goal is to ‘Complete Module 1 by Friday’ you can measure if you have achieved it.
Achievable
Make sure that what you have planned is realistic and achievable in the time you have.
Relevant
Make sure the goal aligns with your overall goals and objectives. For example, will it help you complete your assessment or stay on track with your overall study plan?
Time-bound
This means giving your goal a realistic deadline.
Watch the video to learn more about goal setting and motivation.
Remember to reward yourself!
Studying is tough, especially when you're fitting it around work, whānau, and other commitments.
When you achieve a goal, celebrate it! Rewards don’t have to be big – go for a walk in the sun, have a coffee with a friend or share what you have achieved with a friend or member of your whanau.
Whether it's finishing a module, starting an assessment, submitting work for marking, passing an exam, or just meeting your weekly study goals – big or small, they all get you one step closer to your overall goal.
… always celebrate the small wins as these lead to bigger successes. Whether it’s reading a textbook chapter, submitting an assignment or finishing an exam, these are all part of the journey and should be savoured as evidence of progress.
Jeff Goss - Open Polytechnic graduate
Read more about Jeff Goss's study journey
Don't be afraid to ask for support
You're not in this alone!
You could try asking your whānau, friends or colleagues for support. Could someone babysit or pick up your children from school while you study? Your manager might let you take some study leave. Or a flat mate could cook dinner for you.
You might be surprised by how supportive people are when they know you need help!
Every day my family connects over group chat. They encourage me in my study but also remind me to have a break, get some fresh air, and don’t sit too long. They’re always giving me different advice that encourages me in what I’m doing.
Kilisi Palu - NZ Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care graduate
We're also here to help
Course related questions
Your Course Facilitator is on hand to answer any course-related questions. Contact them through your course Talk channels in iQualify.
Get help with planning
And for help with study planning, goal setting and motivation or what to do if something comes up and you feel like you are falling behind talk to a Student Mentor, Kaihāpai Māori or Kaihāpai Pasifika, or someone from our Disability and Access services team.
You can book time through the MyOP learner portal or call 0508 650 200.