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1. Assume that you will take twice as long as you think to do half the work!
Sorry, it's harsh, we know, but that is the way it works for most people. This is not a function of how much you want to get on with your learning: it is a function of how many other things you have to do. There is always the dog to be walked, the washing-up to do, meals to be made or, simply, employment to be gone to.
2. Make yourself a place to work.
A desk in a private room would be ideal but, unhappily, not all of us can manage that. If it's an end of the kitchen table, shared with offspring, so be it. However, if they need music playing while they work and you don't, you'll have to negotiate with them. Just think, Jane Austen wrote all her books in a room where people were in and out all the time!
3. Make an appointment with yourself to do some work each day regularly. Even if it's only half an hour; treat it as your time. Your special time when you do something for yourself. (It helps to ally that with a cup of real coffee, or a special flavour of tea, as a treat.)
4. Devote one day to one topic, occasionally; it can give you a creative boost. For example, read all you can about "activities" and really get a feel for the subject. Try different things with your clients if you can. Seeing for yourself what works and what doesn't is really important.
5. Try having a "Reading Day" once a month.
Gather all the books and learning materials you can and, on the day, just read (you can make notes if you want to). Immerse yourself in the reading but don't forget to make yourself plenty of tea/coffee/juice and nice snacks.
6. If you don't understand something, the professional thing to do is to ask.
Dayspring tutors are here to help you. We are not trying to trip you up and are delighted to explain anything if it does not come easy. Take account of their comments on your marked work too. This is a vital part of our teaching method - we try to give you suggestions which would have made your answers even better. Personal Tutors are available on the telephone, although you will usually have to make an appointment when someone can be in to talk to you. It's no trouble!
7. Get your best friend to listen to you give a verbal account of something you have learned.
You'll probably be aware of anywhere you go wrong. Try it again - but don't keep on until your friend is fed-up; you'll need her again in a week or two!
8. When answering assignment questions, always observe the following:
a) Read the question - don't just write down everything you can think of on the required subject; just write what is called for - we don't weigh answers!
b) Stick to the point - don't ramble all over the place; examiners have a home to go to, too!
c) If it is a structured question, try a structured answer - it'll give you a plan to work from!
d) Write clearly or type - you are your own worst enemy if the examiner can't read what you have written!
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