Struggling to stay motivated in your online GED classes? 

A frustrated student working on a laptop alone in a cubicle. Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Online GED classes let you study and access materials anytime, from anywhere, making it an appealing choice for busy individuals.

However, this freedom can be a double-edged sword.

Learn 4 strategies that will help you minimize distractions and keep you on track in your online GED classes.

#1 Identify Your Goals

Know what you're working towards!

See progress and stay motivated by setting daily or weekly academic goals that align with your online GED classes, while prioritizing challenging topics, and keeping deadlines in mind.

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Use SMART for goal-setting!

SMART goals are:

  • Specific — Be specific when writing your goal.

    Example: I will complete 1 GED math practice test.

  • Measurable — Define how you will measure success.

    Example: By passing with an 80% score or higher.

  • Achievable — Assess whether it's realistic.

    Example: Yes, with access to online GED practice tests.

  • Relevant — Ensure alignment with overarching goals.

    Example: This aligns with my overarching goal of passing the GED.

  • Time-Bound — Determine how long it will take to accomplish this goal.

    Example: Complete by end of day.

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#2 Plan Study Sessions

While cramming for the GED might seem like a good idea, it doesn't promote confidence or long-term memory retention.

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Instead, use your goals to schedule study sessions in advance.This allows you to practice test-taking strategies, deepen your subject knowledge, and strengthen critical thinking skills!

Use a physical planner, calendar app, or task manager app such as:

Study Schedule Example

An example of an study schedule with goals, appointments, and daily study tasks (audio description below). Image courtesy of the author. To hear an audio description of the study schedule example, click play on the audio player below:

#3 Take Advantage of Learning Resources

If you’re stuck on a topic, there are a lot of resources that can help you succeed.

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Online learning resources:

Regularly quizzing yourself and using practice tests will improve your test-taking, critical thinking, and problem-solving proficiencies.

Other learning resources:

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#4 Get Connected with a Learning Community

Engaging with your instructors and peers not only propels your learning, it also reduces feelings of isolation when taking online GED classes.

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Use discussion boards to get connected with others who are preparing for or have previously passed the GED. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to share useful information and resources!

You can also join a study group to engage with your community to keep yourself motivated and accountable. 

Two people studying together with a laptop and tablet. Photo by Eliott Reyna on Unsplash

Quiz

Which are the best ways to engage with a learning community? Select all that apply:

Take Action

Use these strategies to ace your online GED classes!

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