Ep.155 My Adult Learning Journey: From Academic Failure to First-Class Degree
Release Date: 06/03/2024
Chloe Made Me Study
#172 – Feel like your study sessions are more faffing than focusing? In this week’s episode, I’m sharing 3 simple steps to help you stop wasting time and finally feel productive when you study. You’ll learn exactly what to do at the start, middle and end of a study session so you can get more done in less time—without burning out. These are the tips I use myself and teach my students—and they really work. These are quick wins you can try today to make your study time feel calmer, clearer and way more effective. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: . ...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#171 – Studying is hard…but not studying is hard too. In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful mindset shift to help you get through those stuck, low-motivation moments. I’ll walk you through real student examples and tell the personal story of my own recent qualification. One of the hardest things I’ve done in years. You’ll learn how to pause, reflect and choose the kind of hard that moves you forward. Plus, I’ll share free tools to help you make studying feel more doable – whether you're on a break or deep in essay season. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#170 – If you’re currently on a study break, or you’ve got one coming up—whether it’s a few weeks or a few months between terms/years—this episode will help you make the most of it. I’m sharing a gentle, practical approach to planning your break with intention—not to get more done, but to feel more like you. You’ll learn how to reflect on what you need, create playful “classes” from the things you love, and build a weekly schedule that supports rest, joy and freedom. There’s also a free printable workbook to help you create your own personalised break plan—complete...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#169 – If you have ever found yourself thinking, “why does essay writing feel so hard?” you are not alone. In this episode, I share 5 reasons why essays often feel overwhelming, confusing or frustrating—and what you can do about each one. We will explore why you were never properly taught how to write essays, why traditional study methods often make things harder, and why high-stakes assignments leave no room for practice. You will also hear why outdated frameworks like PEEL are not helping you and how you might be working incredibly hard but not always in the most effective way. If...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#168 – You’re told to be an independent learner at university—but no one actually shows you how. In this episode, I’m unpacking why independent learning feels so hard at higher education level, especially if you’re returning to study as an adult. You’ll learn why the problem isn’t your intelligence, motivation or potential—but the lack of proper support. I’ll break down the myth of ‘just figuring it out’, share the metaphor I use with my students to explain what’s really going on, and walk you through what should happen instead. If studying still feels harder than it...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#167 – You worked hard. You followed the guidance. You poured hours into your essay… and still didn’t get the mark you hoped for. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m unpacking the only two reasons why your essay grades aren’t higher—and why these problems have nothing to do with your intelligence, effort or potential. You’ll learn how misunderstanding the question and writing at the wrong level are the most common (and fixable) reasons students lose marks. I’ll walk you through the signs to look out for, the types of feedback that hint at...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#166 – Feeling stuck every time you sit down to study? Do you open your laptop, stare at the screen, and somehow end up scrolling your phone or making tea for the third time? In this episode, I’m diving into what’s really going on when your brain freezes—and it’s not laziness or lack of motivation. I’ll guide you through what’s happening behind the scenes in your brain when studying feels impossible. You’ll learn how to spot the signs, why they show up and what you can do to actually move forward when you're feeling blocked. Whether you’re neurodivergent or not, these...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#165 – In this episode, I delve into the challenges of balancing study with work and family life, offering insights and strategies tailored for adult learners. If you're feeling overwhelmed or lacking confidence in your learning abilities, you're not alone. Together, we'll explore how focusing on small, achievable steps can lead to significant progress in reaching your study goals. Through practical advice and real-life examples, I'll share five key strategies to help you shift your mindset, build momentum, and transform your study habits. We'll discuss the importance of a positive...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#164 – If you’re curious about how to study like a First Class student and whether aiming for top grades is the right approach for you, this episode is your guide. I explore the benefits of adopting a First Class mindset and study habits, explaining why every student can benefit from aiming high, regardless of their current grades or personal circumstances. In this episode, you’ll discover practical strategies to help you achieve your academic goals and enjoy the process. We’ll delve into the importance of strategic study techniques, effective note-taking, and cultivating a...
info_outlineChloe Made Me Study
#163 – In this week's episode, I reveal a powerful perspective shift that can make your studying easier and transform your academic journey. Whether you're juggling work, family, or both, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of achieving good grades. You might even find yourself confused by inconsistent results — feeling confident about an essay only to receive a disappointing mark, or the opposite. But what if I told you that the secret to success lies in focusing less on the results and more on the process? Join me as I break down how you can take control of your...
info_outline#155 – the podcast is back babyyyy!
In this reintroduction episode, I share my personal adult learning journey, detailing how I transformed from a struggling student to achieving a first-class degree. You'll hear about the bumps along the road, the lessons learned, and the strategies I developed that led me to now running my own business helping students worldwide as a study skills and mindset coach.
I’ll share my (very) honest experiences with academic setbacks, the importance of developing effective study habits, and the absolutely vital role of mindset in higher learning.
Tune in to discover practical tips and get a sneak peek into what to expect from the upcoming episodes. Whether you're balancing work, family, and studies or facing low confidence in your learning abilities, this episode is packed with insights to support your studying journey.
To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode155.
Join the Kickbutt Students Club membership.
Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.