Distance Education

The truth is that learning on your own is very challenging and can cause unnecessary stress. We’ve got a list of very simple steps and tips but the most important tips are: Make sure you know exactly what you have to do; Plan realistic deadlines; and Stay in touch with your assessor.

Here are some tips that can get you on track!

  1. Familiarise yourself with the workbooks. Before you even pick up a pen, open your workbook and flick right through every page. This will probably take 20-30 minutes. This will be very, very helpful! If anything is confusing, email or telephone your coach.

  2. Familiarise yourself with your assessment projects. At this point you will not necessarily understand everything that you will have to do. However, it should make sense and you should be able to picture the completed assessment projects. If you do not have a clear picture of what you are expected to produce, email or phone your trainer and ask for clarification.

  3. Be realistic and plan your workload. You will not have to keep a class attendance schedule, but you will have to do regular learning. Remember you should be spending about five study hours each week on your qualification. So if there is insufficient time in your personal schedule to do the work of the course, you will be frustrated and you may become stressed.  

  4. Agree to a Training Plan with your assessor and stick to it. Keep a calendar showing the number of weeks in the quarter and mark it off with the amount of work you need to do each week. Mark in the days when you will expect to take tests, submit projects, contact the instructor. Don't fall behind in your work! Keep reminding yourself of the reason you started the course.

  5. Organize your goals in a study schedule. Identify study times when you are fresh and attentive and stick to those times every week. Think of the study times as "reserved time." If you miss too many study times, revise your schedule. Most people think more clearly in the morning than they do after work.  

  6. Avoid interruptions. Avoid all interruptions and distractions while you are reading, working on the computer, or studying. Take the telephone off the hook if there is no one available to answer it but you.  

  7. Know where to study. Find a place that is free from distractions. You might consider work--before or after hours and on your lunch hour—a public library, or a separate room in your home.  

  8. Stay in touch with your instructor. Contact your assessor regularly, especially when you have questions about course content materials. Your coach is available by phone and/or email, or instant messenger.  

  9. Use good communication skills. Pay careful attention to instructions and be certain that you understand what is being asked when submitting assignments. It often helps to develop a brief one page outline before the final product.  

  10. Discuss your progress. Ask your instructor at various points in the quarter how your progress is going. Also ask for help and point out any areas that you think are difficult or unclear.  

  11. Use relaxation techniques to focus better. Relaxation techniques can benefit learning in a number of ways: heighten concentration, heighten attention focusing and lessen anxiety. Some common relaxation techniques include deep breathing, stretching, and soothing music.  

  12. Talk to your assessor– get them to motivate you – it’s their job.

Very Important

Learning is supposed to be challenging, but if it’s just stressing you out, talk to your assessor, together you will be able to come up with an easier plan of attack.

The most important thing to remember is that your coach is there for you with support and knowledge.  Take advantage of that and feel free to contact them with your thoughts or problems.

Have any questions? E-mail us staff@cre8australia.com or email your assessor at  assessor@cre8australia.com