Returning to education: How mature students benefit from flexible learning

Key highlights 

• Flexible learning allows mature students to balance their studies with existing life commitments. 

• It offers personalised pacing, enabling students to progress through their courses at a speed that suits their individual needs. 

• This mode of learning opens up various opportunities for career advancement or transitions, allowing individuals to upskill or reskill. 

• A wide range of courses and qualifications is available through flexible learning, catering to diverse interests and goals. 

Introduction 

The number of mature students going back to school is rising. According to the Adult Participation in Learning Survey 2023, nearly one in two UK adults took part in learning in the preceding three years, which is the highest rate since the survey started in 1996. Their motivations for learning are seemingly split between personal and professional growth – nearly 57% of mature learners said that they had taken up their main learning for work or career reasons, while 41% said it was for leisure or personal interest.

Many people have jobs and family duties, so learning in a traditional classroom can be hard. Luckily, flexible learning options make it possible for mature students to get a good education in a way that suits them. This type of learning helps those who want new opportunities, change their careers or improve their personal lives. 

Exploring the advantages of flexible learning for mature students 

Flexible learning allows older students to take charge of their education. It offers more freedom than traditional schooling, letting them study at their own pace. This is really helpful for those who have many things to manage in their lives. 

Additionally, flexible learning takes away distance barriers. It makes education easier to reach for people who do not live close to a college or university. Whether it is through online courses, distance learning programmes or a mix of both, students can find many learning options right from home. 

Understanding flexible learning 

Flexible learning includes different ways to study that focus on allowing students to choose what works best for them. This is different from the usual way of learning. Here, students have more control over how they learn. They can take their time and fit their studies around other things they have to do. 

One popular type of flexible learning is distance learning. It uses technology to share course materials and helps students talk with their teachers. This opens up new opportunities for people who cannot go to traditional schools. 

With online tools, video calls and other digital methods, distance learning gets rid of location problems. Students can access their courses and join discussions from anywhere as long as they have internet access. 

The importance of lifelong learning in today’s economy 

In today’s fast-changing job market, lifelong learning is very important for success at work. Employers want people who can adapt, have the latest skills, and show they are willing to keep learning. Flexible learning helps by giving chances to pick up new skills or improve the ones they already have. This makes it easier to stay competitive and adjust to new job needs. 

Plus, lifelong learning can make you feel fulfilled and open up new career options. When you keep learning, you can find new interests, try different jobs and reach your full potential. 

Preparing for your flexible learning journey 

Starting a flexible learning path needs some good planning and thought. Before you begin a course or programme, take time to think about your personal goals. This helps you choose a programme that matches what you want and leads you toward your dreams. 

Besides knowing your goals, consider the practical parts of flexible learning. Check what resources you have, see how much time you need to commit and set up a space for studying. These things help make your learning experience successful and rewarding. 

Identifying your learning goals and outcomes 

Before starting your flexible learning journey, take some time to think about yourself. Ask what you want to achieve. Are you trying to move up in your current job, start a new career or just gain more knowledge? 

It is important to clearly define your learning goals. Knowing your reasons for seeking further education will help you choose the right programme. It will guide your choices and show what you want to get from this experience. 

After you outline your goals, turn them into clear learning outcomes. Creating specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals will give you clarity and direction as you move through your learning journey. 

Gathering necessary resources and tools 

Flexible learning depends a lot on technology and online resources. A good internet connection is very important. It helps to know different online learning platforms and tools that you will use in your studies. 

Look for resources like online libraries, research databases and educational software that match your area of study. These tools can make your learning better and give you a lot of information. 

Always remember that learning well is more than just using online resources. Make sure you have a specific place to study, comfy furniture and important materials like textbooks, notebooks and pens. 

A step-by-step guide to embracing flexible learning 

Guiding yourself through flexible learning needs a clear plan. By dividing this process into smaller tasks, adult learners can study with more confidence. This also boosts their chances of reaching their education goals. 

Choosing the right programme and forming a helpful network are important steps. Each step is key to making the learning experience rewarding and effective. 

Step one: Choose the right programme or course 

With many flexible learning options today, picking the right programme is very important. Start by researching and comparing different programmes. Look at their reputation, accreditation and what qualifications they offer. 

Take a close look at the entry requirements for each programme. Make sure they match your current studies and experience. Some programmes might ask for certain prerequisites or test scores. It is essential to check that you fit these requirements before you apply. 

Spend time looking at the range of courses offered in your chosen programme. Make sure they match your interests and career goals. If you are interested in specific topics in your field, see if the programme has specialised courses for those areas. 

Step two: Create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle 

One of the best things about flexible learning is that you can study at your own pace. But having this freedom means you need to stay disciplined and manage your time well to do great in your studies. It’s important to create a good study schedule that fits your life, so you can get the most out of your learning.

Think about your current responsibilities, like work, family, and social plans. Set aside specific times for studying. Treat these study times like any other important meeting. Here’s a simple way to plan your study time well: 

• Break down study sessions: Instead of long study periods, use shorter and focused chunks of time. 

• Schedule breaks: Add short breaks to your study routine to avoid tiredness and stay focused. 

• Review and adjust: Check how your study plan is working and change it as needed. 

Step three: Leverage technology and online resources 

Technology is essential for flexible learning options. It helps students have easy and interesting learning experiences. Get to know the online platforms, learning management systems (LMS) and digital tools in your programme. These platforms usually hold course materials, help you talk with teachers and classmates and keep track of your progress. 

Take advantage of the many online resources that can support your learning. Check out online libraries, academic journals, research databases and specific websites related to your subjects. Many schools and universities offer free online courses and resources that can help you learn more. 

Think about using productivity and learning apps in your study schedule. Apps for time management, note-taking and flashcards can help you stay organised, remember information better and be more productive overall. 

Step four: Build a support network for success 

While flexible learning gives you freedom, it is good to build a support network to make your experience better. Connect with other students online or face to face. You can share ideas, go over course material and work together on projects. Talking with your peers can help you see things from different angles, clear up complicated topics and improve your understanding. 

Do not hesitate to contact your instructors when you have questions or need help with assignments. They are great resources and can give you important information about the subject and possible career opportunities in your field. 

In addition to academic help, it is advisable to involve your personal network in your learning. Tell your family and friends about your goals. Their support and understanding can help create a positive environment for your studies. 

Overcoming challenges faced by mature students in flexible learning 

Flexible learning can be very rewarding, but it also has challenges, especially for older students. They need to balance their studies with their outside commitments. This means they have to plan carefully, stay dedicated and have a good support network. 

To get past these difficulties, students should be adaptable and manage their time well. They also need strong support around them. If they tackle these issues head-on, older students can succeed in flexible learning and reach their education goals. 

Balancing study with life commitments 

For mature students who have existing duties, it is important to balance study with life commitments. Good time management is key to success. Talk to your family and employers about your study schedule. Set clear and realistic expectations for when you will be available during study times. 

Think about using time management methods to improve your daily routine. Focus on what is important, ask for help when you can and cut out activities that are not necessary. This will give you more time to study. Use your work experience to help you understand what you learn during your course. Link what you learn to real situations you have faced at work. 

Do not forget that clear and honest communication is very important. Keep your family in the loop about your progress, any problems you face and deadlines that are coming up. Their support and understanding can really boost your motivation and help you handle different responsibilities well. 

Staying motivated and disciplined in self-directed learning 

Self-directed learning needs a lot of motivation and discipline. Make a study space that is quiet and free from distractions. This helps tell your brain that it is time to focus. By having a different place for studying than for relaxing, you can do a better job and stay productive. 

Break your schoolwork into smaller tasks. When you finish these smaller goals, it feels good and keeps you moving forward. Celebrate your wins to build good study habits and stay interested in learning. 

Do not forget to take care of yourself during your learning journey. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat healthy foods. This will help your brain work better, increase focus and improve your overall health. All of this supports your schoolwork. 

Conclusion 

Flexible learning provides a personal way for adult students to improve their skills and adjust to the changing job market. By choosing lifelong learning through flexible programmes, people can set clear goals, use various resources and build a helpful network for success. Even though there are challenges like juggling work and study, staying focused and managing time well, the benefits of finishing a flexible learning course are significant. By picking the right programme, making a strong study plan, using technology and creating a good support system, adult students can succeed in their education. This is a great step toward ongoing growth and progress. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What financial support is available for mature students in the UK? 

In the UK, older students can get financial help. This help may cover tuition fees and living costs. It can include loans, grants and bursaries. For detailed information, contact your chosen higher education provider. 

How do I choose the best flexible learning programme for my needs? 

Think about what you need and want for your job and study schedule. Look into the different courses, what you need to get in and the help that is available when picking a programme. 

What are the long-term benefits of completing a flexible learning course or degree? 

Taking a flexible learning course can help you move forward in your career. It can lead to higher pay and new opportunities. You can also experience personal growth and improve your life overall.