ESSENTIAL STUDY HACKS FOR DISTANCE LEARNING STUDENTS

With all eyes directed at 2020’s first-year students as they start their journeys at various tertiary and higher education institutions across South Africa, it is also important to remember those tens of thousands of students who are starting out on a learning journey of another kind — studying from home via distance learning, an education expert says.

“Studying via distance learning brings unique rewards but also challenges of its own. But while the route to success might be different from that of studying at a contact institution, the rewards and sense of achievement when you reach your goals are just as significant.” says Sonia Magni, Academic Manager at Oxbridge Academy, a private college that serves more than 20 000 South African distance learning students every year.

Magni says that for many people who want to further their education, contact study simply isn’t an option, due to personal circumstances, finances, disabilities, needing to work full-time, lack of proximity to institutions, and various other reasons.

“For these students, distance learning provides the perfect vehicle to realise their career aspirations, without having to take time off from real life for several years. However, these students need all the support they can get, as distance learning can be a lonely and frustrating endeavour if you go about it the wrong way,” she says.

Magni says there are a number of distance learning study strategies, which, if applied, will help ensure student success.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU SIGN UP FOR ANYTHING

Arguably, the biggest determinant for distance learning success is ensuring that you sign up with an institution with a reputation for accreditation compliance, academic excellence and outstanding student support services, says Magni.

“There are countless distance learning institutions and qualifications out there, but they are definitely not all created equal. Make sure that you ask the right questions of a prospective institution, speak to student advisors, speak to current students, and do your research. 

“The last thing you want to do is go through all the effort of registering, only to find that materials are dumped on you — if they even arrive whatsoever — with no support during your actual studies. An institution must be legally registered and accredited with the relevant regulatory bodies, and it must offer tutor support with a quick turnaround time, so be sure to confirm that yours will,” she says.

BE DISCIPLINED AND ON THE BALL

Keeping several balls in the air is an innate feature of distance learning, Magni says, so it is crucial that students are disciplined and organised.

“As soon as you’ve received your schedules or timetables, consolidate all the information on a big calendar on the wall where you’ll be studying. Mark all your exam dates and assignment due dates in red, and then work backwards to schedule your learning and revision times in a different colour.”

Magni says distance learning students should also develop an effective filing system so they don’t lose track of things.

“Be sure to file your notes in a logical manner, keeping different subjects grouped together. If your materials are organised, you’ll be able to focus on the actual learning, instead of trying to find what you need to get started.”

BE RUTHLESS WITH YOUR TIME

In general, distance learning students won’t only have their studies to focus on, but also potentially a family, a job, and even sometimes a second job. So they should commit to using any time not dedicated to their existing responsibilities, to their studies.

“During your studies, you are going to have to say no to some things that don’t serve you at the moment. Social media? Best to start limiting your time spent mindlessly scrolling. Late nights out? Time better spent doing some revision and getting enough sleep,” notes Magni.

“This is why it is important to always keep your goal in mind during your studies, so that you don’t lose sight of the reason why you started studying in the first place. Yes, things could very likely start getting tough, and you might start thinking that throwing in the towel is the easier option. But remember, time will pass anyway, and if you commit now you will, after a few months or years of staying the course, be in a much more empowered space in your life. Your future self will thank your current self if you do.”

THERE IS A LOT OF HELP OUT THERE — USE IT

“There is so much information out there specifically designed to assist distance learning students,” Magni points out.

“If you feel lonely or isolated, visit the blog of your institution. No matter what your issue, someone else has also been there, and you’ll find the advice you need.”

Magni says it is also helpful to get a study buddy or to form a study group, as this will help banish any resentment or anxiety about going it alone.

“It is natural to feel that you are the only one going through this and having to deal with life and studies at the same time, but that is obviously not the case. So connect with your fellow distance learning students, so that you can help each other not only master the materials, but also your distance learning journey.”

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Breaking Barriers: Helping Your Child Shine

Every child is a little star with their own way of learning and growing. But sometimes, those learning journeys come with a few speed bumps, and that’s perfectly okay! Whether your child is finding it tricky to focus, struggling to read, or facing sensory challenges, recognising these hurdles is the first step to supporting them.

What Are Barriers to Learning?

Barriers to learning can show up in lots of ways. Maybe your child has ADHD, dyslexia, or struggles with numbers (dyscalculia). Perhaps they face sensory challenges like hearing loss or a visual impairment. Emotional hurdles, like anxiety or attachment issues, can also make focusing a bit harder.

For some children, conditions like autism or foetal alcohol syndrome call for extra-special strategies to help them succeed. But here’s the thing: these challenges don’t define your child! With a bit of understanding and the right tools, they can absolutely thrive.

Small Changes, Big Differences

Supporting your child doesn’t have to mean massive changes. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference—like adding a quiet corner at home, trying a new way to explain a tricky concept, or working with their teacher to adjust classroom strategies.

Finding help can sometimes be challenging. At Twinkl, we believe every child deserves to feel confident and capable. That’s why we’ve put together resources to help parents and teachers work through barriers to learning. 

You’re not alone on this journey! Twinkl’s resources are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for advice about ADHD, dyslexia, or even anxiety, we’ve got booklets packed with practical tips and ideas.

How Twinkl Can Help

We know that supporting children with different needs can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we created the Barriers to Learning Information Booklet Series—a collection of handy, easy-to-read guides made especially for South African parents and teachers.

Here’s what you’ll find in these booklets:

  • Mind Maps: A quick and clear overview of each challenge.
  • Top Tips: Practical advice to support your child at home or in the classroom.
  • Indicators and Signs: Wondering if your child needs extra help? We’ve got you covered.
  • Adaptation Strategies: Ideas for tweaking teaching methods and daily routines to suit your child’s needs.

These booklets are your go-to guide for creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

Let’s Break Barriers Together

At the heart of it all, we just want children to feel confident, happy, and ready to take on the world. Together, we can create a learning environment that celebrates every child’s uniqueness.

So, why wait? Head over to Twinkl and check out our Barriers to Learning series. Let’s work together to help every child shine bright and feel unstoppable!

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MATRICS: USE THE NEXT 6 WEEKS TO LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR STUDY SUCCESS

University choices may feel like a distant priority for this year’s Matrics who are currently settling into the rhythm of their final year at school. But now is, in fact, the optimal time to be investigating what they want to study and where, because making the right choice takes time, and will ultimately impact on study success and employability 4 years from now, an expert says.

“Prospective students will start applying from around the April holidays onwards, whereafter the applications will start coming in thick and fast, and the rush to secure a place will intensify. Once your fellow learners start applying, you will really start to feel the pressure to do so as well, which could lead to you settling for a generic qualification or taking the traditional route that others in the same boat as you are following just to make sure you don’t miss your chance,” says Nola Payne, Head of Faculty: Information and Communications Technology at The Independent Institute of Education, SA’s largest private higher education institution.

“The gravity of the choice you need to make about your future in coming weeks can’t be overstated. The right study choice at the right institution is a solid foundation for future success, but the wrong choice can exact a costly financial and emotional toll for a long time. It, therefore, makes sense to use the relative calm of the coming weeks – a calm that will not again be repeated in your Matric year – to make absolutely sure about what you want to do next year,” says Payne.

She says there are two main questions around which Matrics should focus their investigations: 1) What should I study and 2) Where should I study.

1)     WHAT SHOULD I STUDY?

“If you have more or less of an idea of your strengths and ideal work, that’s a great start,” notes Payne.

“However many people have no idea of what they want to do with their life after school.

These learners should start by investigating potential careers that interest them, and importantly, investigate the demand for suitably qualified professionals in these fields.”

Payne advises Matrics to scour job advertisements, see which positions excite them and devour any media they can lay their hands on to get an idea of the kinds of careers that are out there.

“Remember that new careers exist today that are vastly different from the careers of the past, and you may even land upon something you’ve never heard of before. Once you’ve identified your ideal career, you should then investigate what you would need to study to do the kind of work that excites you.”

A major consideration is whether to opt for a traditional academic degree or a work-focused one, says Payne.

“In our tough job market, the closer a degree is aligned to the realities of the world of work, and the greater a qualification’s ability to make you land on your feet from the first day on the job, the better your chances of success. So ask institutions about their lecturers and curricula – are they still involved in their profession beyond teaching, and does the institution have close ties with companies and industry professionals?

“The days of academic ivory towers disconnected from the demands and requirements of the real world are numbered, and prospective students must endeavour to find an institution that understands and responds to what is needed in today’s workplaces.”

2)     WHERE SHOULD I STUDY?

With South Africa’s 26 public universities and countless private higher education institutions, prospective students have their work cut out for them in determining where their goals and ambitions would be best realised. Because if an institution is registered and accredited, its qualifications will be valid and recognised in the workplace, regardless of whether they originate from a private institution or a state-funded one.

But there are other important issues to consider. These include proximity to where one currently lives, class sizes, student support and career guidance services, and the degree to which the curriculum is aligned and able to adapt to modern workplaces.

“Opting for a uni closer to home means savings on the financial front, as well as proximity to your existing support structures which can be helpful when the going gets tough,” says Payne.

“Large class sizes can make you feel invisible and like a number, while smaller class sizes mean more attention and a greater feeling of belonging. Getting real-life work experience and assignments prepare you for the workplace in a way theory only can never do, while student support services can make a crucial difference in your success.

“Make sure you get satisfactory feedback on all these issues before signing up with an institution,” she says.

Payne says making the right choice, based on thorough research and investigation of all options, has a huge role to play in student outcomes.

“Many students drop out of their first year because they made their study choice under pressure, or because they realise after a few weeks or months that there are other qualifications more suited to their aspirations. Some only get exposed to interesting fields and other higher education institutions once they leave school and are already studying – a situation that can be avoided if proper time and attention is given now to exploring what’s out there.

“We urge teachers, parents and guardians too, in coming weeks, guide the young people in their care to enable them to make informed choices calmly and with clarity. This will allow learners to put the anxiety of their 2020 plans behind them, and focus fully on doing their best in the important series of exams that lie ahead this year.”

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Prepare now to study abroad in 2020

Matrics who want to study in the United States and United Kingdom next year need to start preparing for their applications now. According to a study conducted by the Institute of International Education, 90% of employers believe that students with international accreditation possess desirable traits and skills, such as maturity, superior communication skills, flexibility, cross-cultural awareness and independence. 

“When it comes to applying to study in the US or UK you should ideally give your application an 18-month lead time,” says Rebecca Pretorius, Country Manager for Crimson Education. The global company offers a plan of assistance and mentorship to students who wish to gain admission into top-ranked universities. “Matrics still have a chance of gaining admission, but they haven’t left much room for error.” 

On top of juggling Grade 12, making decisions on future careers and universities and managing deadlines, the application process for studying abroad takes up a lot of time. “With high expectations and low acceptance rates, applications can’t be left to the night before,” says Pretorius. “While applications for international universities open in October, you need to plan well in advance to make sure that you’ve got all the areas of your application covered, not just academics. The earlier you start preparing, the better”. 

Pretorius breaks down the admissions roadmap for US/UK admissions in 2020,for those who haven’t started yet: 

  1. May 2019 to September 2019 – Familiarise yourself with the application process and the universities you want to apply to. You should have a good idea of the various financing, accommodation and deadline requirements for each of your shortlisted universities. 
  2. June 2019 to December 2019 – Start preparing for the required admission tests like the Scholastic Aptitude Test, more commonly known as the SAT, for the US, this is throughout the year. Programme and / or university admission tests for the UK run from July to October. 
  3. July 2019 to September 2019 – Prepare for October/November applications. Contact teachers and counsellors for reference letters. Give yourself enough time to write, edit and proofread your application and essays before sending them through. 
  4. November 2019 to January 2020 – Prepare for personal/video interviews which take place between January and March. You should start hearing back from universities during this time. Make your decision as soon as possible.
  5. May 2020 to July 2020 – Search for possible scholarships and student loan options if necessary. Gather your paperwork for a student visa and apply as soon as you can. 
  6. July 2020 to August 2020 – Book your flights, arrange for an international debit/credit card and photocopy all important documentation before you set off!

Pretorius and her South African team regularly host information evenings for parents and learners interested in studying overseas. For more information, visit www.crimsoneducation.org, email [email protected]. or join the Crimson Education Facebook community.

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