Today, courses from the world’s best universities are available online, most of them also completely free of charge. On the one hand, the availability of online education is its undoubted advantage, but on the other hand, the lack of control, commitment and sometimes even proper motivation leads to the fact that only 7% of those who start an online course finish it by the end.
Determine your goals using the SMART method
There are some people for whom listening to an online course is as easy as reading a book. If that’s not you, you need bulletproof motivation – you need to be clear about why you’re spending your time learning. It’s important to form a request first, and only then look for a course to fit it.
The SMART goal you set for yourself should be:
- specific;
- measurable;
- achievable;
- relevant;
- time bound.
Research the course information thoroughly
Can’t decide between several courses on similar topics? Research them thoroughly – read the course information carefully, pay attention to the course structure, the list of recommended sources, and if it’s a translation, read the original. Be sure to read reviews from people who have completed the course.
It will not be superfluous to google information about the course instructors: browse their pages in social networks, personal websites, read media mentions and articles of their authorship. This way you will learn more about those who teach you and understand if you are interested in their experience and knowledge.
Familiarize yourself with the structure of the course before you begin
When you see the big picture, it is easier to understand the details. Sometimes instructors give students a syllabus before they start lectures, which helps them visualize their syllabus and understand the content and structure of the course. Make a schedule sheet for yourself with the topics you will study during the course and write down the day and time when and what you plan to do. You can do this in the form of a tracker if you wish.
Choose one main resource for learning
The sections of the course are your milestones in mastering the material, a road map that you follow as you move forward. If you spread your attention across several resources at once (e.g., watch an online course, then watch a few side lectures on a topic, then read a textbook), the feeling of moving forward disappears, and with it, your motivation. Reviewing a lot of supplemental materials does not guarantee you expertise. Therefore, use only those additional resources that have exercises and tests – practice instead of passive listening will definitely help you memorize the material better.
Find a mentor
Many professional questions arise during the learning process, which can be difficult to find answers to online. Therefore, it is important to have someone who works in the field and will be willing to help you (for free or for a small fee). Ask that person to be your mentor and answer your questions a few times a month. Plus, this format will create the necessary commitment – you will clearly know the deadline for learning a certain topic.
Participate in discussions
Many online course platforms have forums and chat rooms where you can exchange opinions about the course, discuss interesting topics, share your observations, and so on. If possible, create your own study group – find people in your city/workplace/neighborhood who are also studying your chosen discipline, and once or twice a month get together to study, support each other and discuss issues. This works best for language learning.
Master the tools of effective learning
Professor Barbara Oakley offers tools and practical advice based on research in cognitive psychology that aims to help your brain learn more effectively.
Test yourself. After outlining, move on to self-testing. You can make up your own questions or use ready-made ones from outside sources.