subject: Setting Goals and Be Successful in Online Education [print this page] Are you the typical online student? Well the typical online student is from 18 years old to 60, has children and a full-time job, and been away from education for a number of years. Basically everyone can be considered the typical online student. For most of these students, this marks the first return to school since high school. Many will be the first one in their family to earn a degree. Many more of them will be in school at the same time their own children are working toward a degree as well. For these students, time management is key. Setting small goals to work toward is very important to keep them motivated and moving in the right direction.Start down the right path and choose the best online education available.
Break up your bigger assignments in much the same way, including your research papers and other written assignments. For instance, if you know that you have a research paper due in week five, then divide the bulk of the work into four weeks. Your goal should be to work on your research paper so many hours each week. For instance, you do your research in week one. In week two, you make a list of the information that you need to glean from your research. In week three, you create an outline of your paper and then start writing it. In week four, you finish writing and editing this work.
Of course the overall goal is to earn your degree, but that is a large and lofty goal. Breaking that goal down into smaller, more achievable mini-goals is a great way to keep yourself motivated and to take some of the pressure off. Experts suggest using this same technique for weight loss efforts, as well. For instance, you might set a goal that you will study "x" amount of minutes for "x" days of the coming week. Another goal might be to get a certain grade on an upcoming exam. Again, keep the goal realistic and achievable. If you are struggling with the class to this point, do not set the goal impossibly high or you will only disappoint yourself.
Other assignments can be equally timed out, in small increments so that nothing is ever overwhelming. Try to make it a goal to take quizzes at the same time each week so that you are ready for it and you don't have a really crazy week that leaves you scratching your head and wondering if you have actually taken your test or not.
If you feel that you need a reward beyond better grades without less effort, then come up with a system for giving that to yourself. Remember though, you are working toward an education that will improve the future not only for yourself but your family as well. That should be reward enough. Start your new career today and find the perfect school.
Setting Goals and Be Successful in Online Education
