By Jackie Stapleton

Here at ATOL, it is not uncommon for us to receive an email from a prospective student a little apprehensive about returning to study after many years in the workforce, or facing ‘online’ training for the very first time.

Going back to school can be a daunting experience for anyone, but for some returning to study after many years in the workforce or at home with the children brings its own extra anxieties.

Personally, I hated study when I was at school, and I avoided any further education until my own son was in his final years of high school. I had all the usual questions running through my head. What am I doing? What if I fail? What if no-one likes me? (just another advantage of the online training environment).

But experience now tells me, and I can reassure you, there really should be nothing to fear. With a little planning, preparation and right training provider, returning to study can be a pleasant and reward experience.

Think of learning as a journey through a dense forest. To navigate successfully, you need a map (your plan), a compass (your goals), and the right tools (your resources). Without these, you might get lost, but with them, you can find the most efficient path to your destination.

Learning to Learn

The HBR article “Learning to Learn” by Erika Andersen emphasizes the importance of adaptability in the fast-paced modern business environment. It highlights four key elements: aspiration, self-awareness, curiosity, and vulnerability. Aspiration involves linking new learning to personal goals; self-awareness requires understanding one’s actual skill level; curiosity encourages exploring new skills; and vulnerability means accepting and learning from initial failures. These concepts align with the Efficient Learning Framework by advocating for clear goals, continuous assessment, and maintaining motivation through self-awareness and curiosity.

The Efficient Learning Framework

The Efficient Learning Framework is designed to provide a structured approach to self-paced learning, ensuring that you can achieve your educational goals effectively and efficiently. By following these steps, you can transform your learning experience from overwhelming to manageable and rewarding.

Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Clear goals provide direction and motivation.

Create a Structured Plan: Break down your goals into manageable tasks. Schedule your learning sessions and stick to the plan to build a consistent routine.

Utilize Quality Resources: Use reputable and high-quality materials for your study. This ensures that you are learning accurate and up-to-date information.

Regular Self-Assessment: Periodically assess your understanding and progress. Use quizzes, flashcards, or practice exams to gauge your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

Stay Motivated and Reward Progress: Keep yourself motivated by setting small rewards for achieving milestones. This will help maintain your enthusiasm and commitment.

This article first appeared on Auditor Training Online‘s Lead The Standard newsletter and is published here with permission.