Tips for Success
1. Dedication, dedication, dedication. Choosing your course or courses and sticking faithfully to a study schedule will make all the difference in the world.
2. Unless your state requires you to do so, you do NOT need to study six or more courses at the same time. Consider instead focusing all of your attention on one class at a time. For instance, in a typical school year's time frame, this would mean 6 six-week periods of one course each. During that six-week period you concentrate exclusively on your single subject. (Or, for semester classes, three-week periods at a time.) Essentially, you are mimicking a “summer school” schedule, year round. If your chosen course is chemistry, you will spend several hours a day studying chemistry, reading about chemistry, and/or watching chemistry videos. When you've completed your intensive studies, you will take the appropriate exam if desired, then move on to the next course.
3. The library is your friend. Visit your local library often. Don't overlook the children's section! If it has been a long time since you studied a particular subject, or if you are brand new to the course, sometimes “adult” textbooks can be a bit confusing and/or overwhelming. Start with a children's book on the same topic to get a better, basic understanding. Especially be sure to check out the science, history, and math sections of your children's library.
4. Google is your friend. If you are having trouble with any topic or concept, try a web search for answers. If you are looking for more information on any one subject, search online. (Try using the word “free” in your searches.)
5. For high school homeschoolers: Maintain your Record of Study portfolio (See Getting Started.) as you go along. This is especially important if your state requires certain documentation or proof of your studies.
6. Visit “How To Study” for tips on studying and notetaking. Since you are working independently, it is critical that you develop good study habits. (This website has a lot of excellent tips and ideas. Don't skip it.)
1. Dedication, dedication, dedication. Choosing your course or courses and sticking faithfully to a study schedule will make all the difference in the world.
2. Unless your state requires you to do so, you do NOT need to study six or more courses at the same time. Consider instead focusing all of your attention on one class at a time. For instance, in a typical school year's time frame, this would mean 6 six-week periods of one course each. During that six-week period you concentrate exclusively on your single subject. (Or, for semester classes, three-week periods at a time.) Essentially, you are mimicking a “summer school” schedule, year round. If your chosen course is chemistry, you will spend several hours a day studying chemistry, reading about chemistry, and/or watching chemistry videos. When you've completed your intensive studies, you will take the appropriate exam if desired, then move on to the next course.
3. The library is your friend. Visit your local library often. Don't overlook the children's section! If it has been a long time since you studied a particular subject, or if you are brand new to the course, sometimes “adult” textbooks can be a bit confusing and/or overwhelming. Start with a children's book on the same topic to get a better, basic understanding. Especially be sure to check out the science, history, and math sections of your children's library.
4. Google is your friend. If you are having trouble with any topic or concept, try a web search for answers. If you are looking for more information on any one subject, search online. (Try using the word “free” in your searches.)
5. For high school homeschoolers: Maintain your Record of Study portfolio (See Getting Started.) as you go along. This is especially important if your state requires certain documentation or proof of your studies.
6. Visit “How To Study” for tips on studying and notetaking. Since you are working independently, it is critical that you develop good study habits. (This website has a lot of excellent tips and ideas. Don't skip it.)