How is learning at university different from learning at school?

Independent learning is a method of studying that is usually developed at sixth form or college, or university.

In this video University of Bath student, Juhi explains what independent learning looks like at university. 

How do you like to study? 

Have a think about what you know about yourself and what you might need to study independently. Everyone is different, so it’s important to work out what works best for you. 

What is independent learning

What is independent learning?

Independent learning is making your own decisions, organising yourself and taking responsibility for your learning with little help from a teacher or lecturer. It doesn’t necessarily involve working by yourself as working with someone else to discuss problems, checking understanding or encouraging one another may be an effective way for you to work independently and feel motivated.

Independent learning is a skill highly valued by employers and is needed when studying in further and higher education. Recently, the skill has become more important for school work due to the need to work online at home because of the pandemic. 

A good way to approach independent learning is to consider:

• How you like to study

• How you manage your time

• What motivates you and helps you focus

• What skills you need to study effectively

How do you like to study?

Have a think about what you know about yourself and what you might need to study independently. Everyone is different, so it’s important to work out what works best for you.

Different ways to study

• Alone v In a group

  Studying alone means less distractions and you can set the rules, so you decide what you study, when and how, and at any pace you like. Studying in a group can be helpful if there are things you don’t understand or you’re feeling unmotivated. You can also test one another.

• Mornings V Evenings

  Studying in the morning may suit you if you have more energy earlier in the day as you are likely to be able to focus more. If you are someone who has more energy later in the day, then evening time may suit you better. It may also be quieter in the evening although dark evenings may make you feel less energised.

• Deadlines V No deadlines

  Setting deadlines can help focus your mind on what you need to do when, set the pace for studying and help with motivation. Having no deadlines could mean that you forget to do something, or you end up rushing, causing stress. If you have high self-motivation, then you probably have less of a need for deadlines.

• Music V No music

  This is very much personal preference. If you can think more easily with peace and quiet, then you are unlikely to use music while studying. However, you may like to use music to create a calm environment or to drown out any distracting noises.

• Regular Breaks v Occasional Breaks

  You may prefer to study for short periods of time and take regular short breaks of around 5 or 10 minutes, or study for long periods of time and take the occasional long break of an hour or two. Do you feel like you take enough breaks?

Whatever way you like to study, it’s important that you don’t develop unhealthy study habits, otherwise this can lead to stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact your mental and physical health, and also your grades.

Take this short quiz to test your knowledge on good study habits