If you are studying alongside your job, you have to use the limited time effectively. Which strategies and methods help.

Researching to find solutions for case studies from everyday working life, working on materials and exercises on learning platforms and reviewing academic literature for final theses - anyone studying alongside their job does most of this on their own and independently. This requires a great deal of discipline, intrinsic motivation and self-organisation.

Evidence-based strategies and methods help with this challenge - but they are not always equally suitable for all learning materials and people. This is because some people can absorb information better visually or auditorily, others through communicative exchange or direct application. However, it does not make sense to limit oneself to one sensory channel alone - a combination is particularly effective. A meta-analysis by John Hattie shows that learning is successful when it is consciously structured and methodologically diverse. Another finding of the study: success depends less on the time invested and more on the quality of the learning strategies.

Recalling knowledge repeatedly

Empirical research has shown that passive forms of learning - such as simply reading or repeatedly watching lecture videos - are inferior to actively recalling knowledge. A classic study by Henry Roediger and Jeffrey Karpicke shows that what has been learnt is retained significantly better in the long term through regular self-testing. For digital self-study in particular, this means that learning content should be actively remembered and processed, for example by making your own summaries and notes, using flashcard apps or explaining things in your own words. Instead of marking text passages, it is more effective to quiz yourself. Even better: communicate your findings from a script or lecture to others - then it may become clear which connections have not yet been internalised. It is particularly helpful to exchange ideas with other learners, for example in a joint project in a part-time degree programme.

Learning at intervals

Learning spread over several small units has a more lasting effect than short-term intensive learning. Digital formats are particularly suitable for this. Online platforms such as the learning environment of the C3L - Centre for Lifelong Learning at the University of Oldenburg structure the material in learning paths. The material is divided into milestones or chapters. Such intervals enable flexible learning and promote motivation through repeated experiences of success.

Especially those who learn alone and online should plan regular time-outs, clear endings to the day and short relaxation exercises. Mindfulness-based interventions help students to reduce learning stress, as a study by Bassam Khoury and other researchers shows. If you don't give your brain a break, you have trouble concentrating and remember less. A complete rest day can also be useful.

Good planning is half the battle

Effective self-study requires well-structured time management. Especially those who do not have the best self-control benefit from planning aids, as studies on self-regulation show. Unrealistic learning goals, on the other hand, are a key risk factor for procrastination. Realisable scopes and clearly defined time frames counteract this. It is also important that all work materials are ready on time. The environment must also be right in order to be able to study calmly, focussed and without disruption. In most cases, the job and private environment dictate when there is time for part-time study. However, if you can make it work, you should study when it suits your individual biorhythm: Larks can concentrate better in the morning, owls in the evening or at night.

Conclusion: Evidence-based strategies are particularly helpful for digitally supported self-learning. Actively recalling what you have learnt, using a variety of methods, distributing material sensibly and realistic time planning - all of these have been proven to increase academic success. Those who reflect on how they best acquire knowledge and skills can gradually make their learning more effective by using suitable formats and environments.