Back in Class: A Short Guide to Adult Education

Whether you are a professional looking for a career update, an unemployed person searching for broader opportunities, or you simply have a passion for learning, adult education is an outstanding option.

An incomplete high school diploma is a reality for many people (roughly 8.5% of men and 5.4% of women, in fact.) And while going back to school may seem like a daunting prospect, it is, in fact, quite simple. At the very least, it’s probably not what you’re picturing.

If you’re considering going back to school, read this quick guide first, which will cover the reasons for continuing adult education, the options available for school and how to get back in the academic mindset. Polish that apple and strap that backpack on – let’s hit the books!

Why Go Back to School?

The first step in pursuing adult education is summoning the motivation and courage to take the leap. Don’t be deterred if you have doubts. It takes time to make the decision. However, if you need some talking points for your internal dialogue, here are a few great reasons for going back to school:

• Job Opportunities: Those with a high school diploma tend to enjoy better job prospects. For this reason, even established professionals have been known to head back to high school, sometimes decades after they first attended.
• Furthering Education and Soft Skills: For some, adult education doesn’t have a professional endgame. Completing your high school diploma can teach you basic and advanced concepts you can use in your daily life. It also fosters soft skills –personal skills that help you thrive interpersonally.
• Keeping Up with Emerging Technologies: The world is changing rapidly.Continuing adult education can help you keep up with emerging technologies, so you can stay connected, stay informed and stay productive at work.

Those are just a few compelling reasons to head back to school. Let’s say your mind is made up – what’s next? Here’s how to go about completing your degree.

How to Complete Your Degree

How does one go to school while working an adult job, you might ask? The answer is simple: with flexible, self-paced online learning. With online learning, there is no “start and end date”; you sign up whenever you please and are given a designated amount of time (usually 12 months) to complete the course. You can take the entire twelve months or finish it in three weeks – whatever pace your learning style, and lifestyle comfortably allows.

The best options to complete your diploma online are through Ministry-approved online high schools. There, you get a hands-on approach from passionate teachers, as well as access to 24/7 tutoring.

Getting Back in the Academic Mindset

Getting back in the academic mindset may take some time, but it will come back to you – just like riding a bicycle. To prepare for your foray back into academia, clear a space in your home for studying. Choose a quiet spot away from daily distractions, and set it up with all the tools you need: a laptop, pens and pencils, writing paper, etc.

It’s also helpful to set goals for yourself; write your academic goals on a piece of paper and post them somewhere visible. Reward yourself for passing milestones, but resist the urge to go hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned. With the right study space, and a robust set of goals and rewards, you’ll get back in the swing of things in no time!

Are you considering adult education? Luckily, there are fantastic reasons to do it and easy ways to accomplish it.