When looking at distance learning and online learning, you will see the phrase ‘self study’ mentioned several times, but no one seems to take the time to fully explain what this actually means for the student.
Self study is a bit of a vague term and tends to make people think of themselves sat there with just a textbook and maybe a pen making notes as they read aimlessly through trying to make sense of everything. That’s not really the case, that style of learning would be more along the lines of independent study, where a student decides to study a subject, but then doesn’t enrol with any form of college or tutoring. There is nothing wrong with this style of learning and if it’s something you want to do, then you should.
When it comes to online learning, self study is more about the focus being on you and yourself. It’s down to you to make the time to actually study and work your way through your course materials, but the course materials you are delivered are more than just an A-Level or GCSE textbook. You will have the subject broken down into modules of study, that contain self assessment questions and quizzes, there will be videos to watch and assessments to submit to your tutor.
Depending on the course you opt to study (and of course, the provider), you will have the enrichment of having a tutor there and other students on the course. So even though you may be logging in at eleven at night to do an hour of study, you’re not actually studying alone, as if you get stuck, you can ask for help or ask for more resources that you can refer to.
So as you can tell, ‘self study’ courses aren’t actually something to fear, they are instead something to enjoy and look forward to! They give you the opportunity to gain those qualifications that you didn’t get at school at college, but do it in a way that is on your own terms and in your own style.
If you would like help or advice on which courses would suit your studying needs, get in touch with one of our helpful team and they will be more than happy to help and assist you.