After completing a course, you have acquired some mastery in these two domains. Itís then time to step back and analyze the smaller pieces that contributed to your success. Make a list of what worked for you. This activity reinforces your self-confidence, renews your motivation, and adds new components to your toolbox of learning skills and discipline. Here are some ideas that could revitalize your approach to study.
 

1.	MAKE A SCHEDULE OF YOUR TIME. Mark times for work, food prep/eating, grooming, sleeping, exercising, family/relationship time, and social-community-church activities. Then mark times for study. If itís more than a one-hour block, plan for short 5- to 10-minute breaks. Keep a log or journal and write down several smaller tasks you will accomplish in your upcoming study time.
2.	ESTABLISH A SPECIAL PLACE TO STUDY. Consider the comfort of the chair, table height, writing tools and paper, source of lighting, absence of environmental distractions, and the availability of files and folders to keep yourself organized. Sometimes a visit to the local library or campus building in your town could vary your study habitat and help you maintain interest or concentration away from routines or unfinished chores and activities. Inform others of your study times and ask not to be disturbed, if possible.
3.	JOT DOWN LIFE CONCERNS THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR CONCENTRATION. Examples include chores to be done, parenting responsibilities, work/survival needs, social/relationships, etc. Agree with yourself to address those concerns later so you can study now. Some concerns like divorce, new jobs, financial or health concerns, bereavement, or geographic change will require time, energy, and appropriate resources before study time will be possible. Your academic advisor is an appropriate person with whom to discuss the barriers to your educational progress.
4.	USE A CALENDAR TO PLAN WHEN YOU WILL TAKE EXAMS. Mark your course completion deadlines and communicate with your instructor. Find out when he or she will be on vacation or celebrating Christmas or spring break. Plan ahead and adjust your study plans to accommodate the instructorís schedule and to maintain your momentum.  Your instructors for print-based courses work year-round, but they also have on-campus duties and vacation periods.
5.	SET SPECIFIC SMALL GOALS FOR EACH STUDY PERIOD. Examples of small goals are previewing Unit 2 in the course manual, looking at the learning outcomes and comparing them to the reading and other assignments, reading Chapter 10, or reviewing what you learned in Unit 1.
6.	PREVIEW AND MULL OVER NEW TOPICS BEFORE DIGGING IN. Read headings and subheadings for the entire chapter first. Try to formulate your own questions about the material before you begin to read for details. Strive to understand new material until you can express it in your owns words before writing down notes.
7.	SET TIME FOR A SHORT REVIEW OF PREVIOUSLY LEARNED MATERIAL. Reduce cramming and re-learning material before exams.
8.	COMMIT TO SELF-MONITORING YOUR STUDY SCHEDULE.  Devote at least 15 minutes a week to reviewing your study schedule, goals, and calendar. Do this every week, even if you are not studying at all! It will keep your awareness as a student, stir your motivation, and remind you of the financial investment in the course. It will prevent what I call the out-of-sight-out-of mind-I-feel-bad-about-procrastination syndrome.    How much did you actually study this week? Write it down.  Reward or give yourself a pat on the back. If you didnít meet your target study hours, ask yourself how to plan for next week. Should you modify your goals for study time next week or perhaps focus on a particular barrier?  What exactly was the barrier?  Brainstorm how you might overcome it.  Discuss it with someone else for perspective. Will you ask others for assistance so you might have less demands on your time next week?  Do this diligently and youíre guaranteed to either succeed in your studies or learn a lot about yourself in the process.

Have a safe, healthy and renewing summer! Enjoy yourself and your loved ones!