Tips for independant study

[doula Michele]

How does everyone handle independant study and family life?
I know for myself, my school work is always last on the list of things that I need to do.
Does anyone have any tips that they would like to share?
How do you find time? How do you organize your studies?
Where do you do your homework?

[DoulaCBE]

I love independent study.
So much so that I've been doing it since high school.

Setting aside a regular time and place to read/study is what works for most people. I don't necessarily need that kind of structure but it can really help.

[ScootchsMom]

I do my school work at night mostly, when DD is asleep and DP is doing work. I can't get ANYTHING done when DD is awake, I'm lucky I can go to the bathroom, lol.

[doulajamie]

You just have to set out that you are going to do it and realize that some things might go undone. My assignments are due on Wednesdays for two classes. Monday and Tuesday are reading days--usually reading here and there--in between chores and running kiddos places. Wednesday is dedicated to getting the posts done and in on time. This means that housework is limited and meals are super simple on Wednesday. When I hit paper week, watch out! It's crazy and a flurry of papers. We love pizza and crockpot meals this week.

On Thursday, I respond to other learner's postings (classroom requirement) which takes 1-2 hours. Friday-Sunday is research time in preparation for that final paper. And at the end of it all, you breathe!!!! I've only almost missed an assignment once because a client went into labor, but my professor was great and very understanding.

Nothing in my life is perfect at this moment. A lot of time is spent on homework, I miss church events because I have to study, I have to budget time a lot tighter than some others but I keep remembering how much I want to get to my end goal. I think you just kind of have to find a system that works for you!! Good luck, it takes some trial and error before you have a workable system.

Jamie

[doula Michele]

Thats what I have to learn to do.
I tend to try and study after the house is clean and the garden is weeded, and everything else is done. LOL... I should be studying anatomy now, but I am watching TV and checkin out ALLdoulas.

It does not help that we are doing a major reno, and I no longer have an office.

[DoulaCBE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by doula Michele Thats what I have to learn to do. I tend to try and study after the house is clean and the garden is weeded, and everything else is done. LOL... I should be studying anatomy now, but I am watching TV and checkin out ALLdoulas. It does not help that we are doing a major reno, and I no longer have an office.

Michele, moving your study time to a local library or quiet coffee shop might also be a great option.

I know that a lot of students study in corners of the local coffee shops around here.

[doula Michele]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaCBE Michele, moving your study time to a local library or quiet coffee shop might also be a great option. I know that a lot of students study in corners of the local coffee shops around here.

I live 1/2 an hour from anywhere....pretty much in the sticks. I detest leaving my house and driving into town. While thats a great option for some, it won't work for me.
But I definatly could work on some self disipline. My problem is that I really do LOVE doing housework and yard work... so its an easy distraction for me.
I am sure when summer settles down, and we get the reno of our new master bedroom done, I will have a new office and it will get easier.
I do love hearing how others make it a priority though. I need to do that....I paid damn good money for all this, so I really need to make it number one.