Home Study – hints and tips to success
Below are a few hints and tips to help you with your freestyletraining course:
- Set aside a regular amount of time each week for your learning
- Plan your learning and make yourself a study timetable – try to keep to it
- Create a suitable learning environment for yourself, if possible away from distractions. If possible, put the telephone on answerphone and let everyone in the house know that, if possible, you don’t want to be disturbed.
- Make sure you sit comfortably and use an adjustable chair, to avoid aches and strains. When working at a PC your eyes should be level with the top of the screen.
- Take regular breaks to help concentration – approximately every 45 minutes – move away from the screen, have a drink (water is best) and clear your mind for 5-10 minutes.
- Build up a file of useful notes for revision – keep them in a ring binder and use a highlighter pen to emphasise important points.
- Set yourself a realistic target date to complete your learning – this will give you something to aim for but not put undue stress on you to complete the learning in a ridiculously short space of time. You need time to take in and assimilate new information and will learn better in short, regular study sessions.
- Ensure you have everything you need for studying before you start – going off to find that special pen is a distraction and could also be used as a putting-off tactic by the less well-disciplined learner!
- Let us know at freestyletraining immediately if you think there is anything missing from your learning pack – there will be a contents checklist included in your pack.
- Work through all courses in order and repeat any sections you find difficult, to ensure full understanding. The training guides are written in a logical, progressive format and some exercises will depend on your having completed previous activities.
- Revise thoroughly for exams – this will build your confidence and help to ensure first pass success.
- Reward yourself when you reach milestones in your learning or achieve your targets – go out for the day or treat the family to a meal!
- Tell us as soon as possible if you wish to take examinations so that we can arrange this for you. Accredited testing centres are available nationally for all qualifications and we will be able to provide you with contact details of your nearest centre, or even arrange the examination for you.
- If you encounter any difficulties, please ask your tutor for help – don’t struggle!
If you encounter any difficulties with your course, please ask your personal tutor for help – don’t struggle!
