A job well done on making the decision to return to school and attain your degree! Mature age students, also known as adult learners, go to college on a part time basis because of family and career obligations. Mature age students are generally very passionate about what they are studying and that passion brings a wealth of life experience to the learning environment and that benefits the whole class. They have sound time management and communication skills and they aim to be high achievers and that adds to their level success as a student. As the economy changes, so will the need to keep colleges and universities up to speed with market demands. However, it is important to remember that your key priority is to keep focused so that you can attain your degree with as little distraction as possible. Research resources show that mature-age students face particular issues in making a successful transition to university. These may be significant other commitments for example family, employment, mortgage etc). If you have been out of school for a while, the first semester can be a challenge. Some of the concerns you may have may include: Why do my classmates seem so young; How will they view me? How will I balance study with all my other demands? How will my partner and/or kids cope with me returning to school? I have test anxiety - how should I study? How do I work the computer? Will I be able to afford school? Will I get a raise or promotion after I graduate, or a new job? Some strategies that you can use to get you acclimated to getting back to school is to first of all figure out and understand what is expect of you as a student. That means that you will need to get information on support networks available, and how to access them. For example study groups and career counselors. Meeting other students is a great start and they will also form part of your support network. If you are a parent, meet other students who are also parents and share ideas with them. One indicator of students who do well in college whether they keep contact with their instructors. Get to know them and ask questions when you are unsure of something. Time management skills are an absolute must especially if you are also working. In general, you will be assigned an academic advisor when you first enroll in a new university or college. Get to know your advisor well and make appointments with them from time to time. Also most professors are cognizant of the other demands that mature-age students may have. This nonetheless does not mean that they do not expect you to put in your fair share of your work. They will expect you to be both self-motivated and self-directed. It also means that you should be as organized as possible. Some strategies to use are setting up and keep notes on a calendar, keeping a to-do list and keeping track of important dates and deadlines like filing for graduation. In addition, figure out your learning style and make it work for you. For example, some students are visual learners, so using graphic organizers might be a good strategy to adopt. Keep in mind that time is a valuable resource. Put your school-skills to work. You will be spending a considerable amount of time reading, therefore read up on effective study and research strategies. Take advantage of resources on the Internet. Finally, do not lose yourself in your books! Take some time off at regular intervals. Give yourself at least one day off each week or a few hours a day. Spend time with your family and friends, talk a walk in the park, curl up with a good book or watch an old movie. You will manage any stress, and youll be a happier person and do better in school!
Please Rate this Article 5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
