The Mature Student Returning to Study
Networking your study
Find a study buddy and ask each other questions to review topics and to analyse assignments. Recounting what you have just learned reinforces the information. Perhaps you have a supportive partner, family member or neighbour who will willingly listen.
Form a study group with other mature age students and meet face to face, by phone or email. Bounce your latest ideas and information off them and hear theirs in return:
- Use Subject Forums
- Create an Interact project site for collaborative study
- Be proactive on the following Student Services forums:
Ask for help sooner rather than later
Keep in touch with your subject co-ordinators, lecturers and tutors. Ask questions about any points you don't understand. Be sure to let them know about your needs if there is a crisis or a series of mini-crises in your life. You can request an extension to assignment work and/or apply for Special Consideration.
Check out the helpful resources for mature-aged students located on the Student Services website.
Contact a Learning Skills Adviser or Student Counsellor through Student Central.
References
Bucknall, K. B. (1995). How to succeed as a student.
Marshall, L. & Rowland, F. (1993). A guide to learning independently. (2nded.). Melbourne: Longman Cheshire.
Northedge, A. (1990). The good study guide.Milton Keynes, UK: Open University
Wade, S. (1996). Studying for a degree: How to succeed as a mature student in higher education. Plymouth, England.
Additional web resources
The following web resources provide further information and have been used as a basis for the construction of this guide. You can google for other sites by typing, for example, "mature student"as the search term, but try to ensure the sites you use are reliable sites.
Tertiary studies: Mature age students
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Tertiary_studies_mature_age_students?OpenDocument