How to Complete a Correspondence Course

Keeping course paperwork organized is important to completing a correspondence class.

Traditional correspondence courses are managed by using the postal service to deliver course materials and assignments. Modern correspondence courses are usually a combination of regular mail and online delivery. No matter how the course materials are distributed to the student, good time-management skills and the ability to organize and stay motivated are required to complete a correspondence course. If you are lacking in those skills, a traditional classroom setting may be a better academic choice.

Things You'll Need

• Binders and notebooks
• Study area
• Calendar

Instructions

1. Read through the course syllabus and information about the policies used to administer the course. Know what is expected of you. Determine what the required date is for completing the course. Understand how you will return assignments and take tests and quizzes.

2. Plan your time. Use a calendar to schedule required tests, quizzes and assignments along with study time and your daily work and family needs. Know what you will be studying at each study period by referencing the syllabus. Clear planning strategies leave no room for procrastination.

3. Use effective study habits. Sit down to study at allotted times and complete the required assignments. Let friends and family know you will be unavailable during scheduled study times. Turn off your cell phone and remove other distractions so that you can complete your assignments quickly.

4. Get organized. Keep course papers, notes and books together in one location. Use binders, notebooks and computer files to group information as needed. Prepare a central location or study area in a quiet area of your home and store your class materials there. Keep backups of all computer related files and materials. Make and retain a copy of anything sent through the postal service.

5. Finish assignments according to the planned schedule. There may be times when an extra day or two is needed to meet a deadline, however, that should not be a regular event. Meeting deadlines will keep you on track.

6. Stay in touch with the instructor or supervisor for the course. Correspondence schools and universities offering correspondence courses as a learning option generally have a qualified teacher assigned to assist students for each course. Teachers are there to answer your questions and help keep you on track.

Tips & Warnings

• Create your own end date for correspondence courses without a required completion date. Open-ended courses are easy to put aside and forget about.

• Do not avoid a topic or assignment. Ask for help when something confuses you or does not make sense. Avoiding an assignment can prevent you from completing the course.

• Connect with other students by creating study groups online or in person. Sharing and discussing reading and work assignments can help you better understand the topic and complete your work.

• Give the instructor notice of emergencies that will delay a required deadline. Some schools may allow a due date extension but only if you let them know what is happening. You could lose the money and time invested in the course if you don't follow school policy.

References

• Ohio University: Fees and Policies for Courses by Correspondence and Web Courses
• Sam Houston State University; SHSU Correspondence Courses: Policies and Procedures
• Study Guides and Strategies: Effective Habits for Effective Study

Resources

• Study Guides and Strategies