Are you ready to embark on your Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate learning journey? In this essential guide, we cover the best practice techniques you can use to help maximise your learning experience. We’ll also outline how you can set yourself up for success, and where you can go for help if you get stuck.
Let’s get started.
Before you begin
Gather your tools
Decide if you prefer taking notes digitally using a laptop or tablet, or with a good old fashioned pen and paper.
While digital notes can be accessed from anywhere and are easier to edit, the act of physically writing can improve memory and comprehension compared to typing – and it’s distraction free too!
Remember too that, while mobile devices offer on-the-go convenience, using a larger screen can enhance learning.
Find your spot
Choose a quiet space, free from distractions and with a reliable internet connection. Make sure you have everything you’ll need to hand, including any course materials, snacks and a drink.
Look over the course
Familiarise yourself with the course outline, chapters and the characters you’ll meet along the way. You’ll find information on all this and more in the resources we provide, including the learner handbook, qualification specification and onboarding module.
Don’t forget, you can revisit these resources at any time during your learning journey.
Read more: Care Certificate: How we support your learning journey →
Understand your responsibilities
Your active participation throughout your learning journey is crucial. Your responsibilities include:
Active Engagement: We encourage you to actively participate in the learning materials and assessments provided.
Ownership of Learning: Take charge of your progress by completing online learning and assessments.
Seeking Support: Never hesitate to reach out to your mentor and Learner Support Coordinator for guidance and support.
Commitment to Learning: Demonstrate a commitment to learning by actively applying your acquired knowledge in the workplace.
While you’re learning
Stay focused
Minimise distractions by closing unnecessary tabs and muting notifications. If you share your space with others, let them know when you’re planning to study so they know to keep noise to a minimum. If that’s not possible, consider listening to some music – YouTube and Spotify have playlists dedicated to focus and study.
Organise your notes
It can take a little experimenting to find a note taking system that works for you. Here are some popular methods you might find helpful.
Outline method: List main topics, subtopics and details for each one in a structured format. This approach is beneficial for visualising the hierarchy of information and grasping the relationships between different concepts.
Cornell method: Divide your page into three sections; one for notes, one for key points, and one for a summary. It can be really helpful to write a concise summary of the main points of a topic or subtopic in your own words.
Mind mapping method: Write the main concept in the centre of your page, then branch out with subtopics. Mind maps can help spark creative connections between ideas and enhance knowledge retention.
Whichever method you choose, we’d also recommend doing the following:
- Highlight the important stuff using colours, underlining or bold text – if you need to refresh your knowledge on a subject, it’s much quicker and easier to do if key points, definitions and examples are highlighted.
- Use visual cues like diagrams, charts and even doodles to simplify complex ideas – visuals can significantly improve information retention.
- Write in your own words – summarising a topic in your own words can help you understand it better.
- Jot down any questions you have on a topic to review in more detail later or ask your manager or Learning Support Coordinator.
- Use abbreviations (the shortened form of a word or phrase) and mnemonics (a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assist you in remembering something) to condense information and make it easier to recall later. Just make sure your abbreviations and mnemonics are clear and understandable to you!
Embrace the eLearning
All of FuturU’s online learning has been designed to bring the caregiving experience to life through engaging characters and realistic scenarios which mimic real life situations so you’re better equipped to handle them right first time and every time.
You’ll spot interactive elements like buttons, sliders and even hidden information revealed by tapping specific areas as you work your way through each module – make sure to interact fully with all these features to maximise your learning.
Read more: Our story-led approach to the new Care Certificate qualification →
Complete knowledge checks
Each module concludes with a knowledge check to solidify your understanding. You can retake these checks as often as needed to pass. Remember, these checks are part of your learning journey. While they’re not formal assessments, you do still need to complete them to obtain the qualification.
Retaining what you’ve learnt
So you’ve completed the 15 Care Certificate learning modules, making notes along the way. Now it’s time to review your knowledge to keep the information fresh in your mind. Here’s how:
Revisit your notes
Don’t let those hard-earned learnings fade away. Regularly revisit your notes, focusing on key points and areas you might have found challenging. Aim for spaced repetition – review soon after learning, then again at increasing intervals. Mobile devices are fantastic for this – use short breaks or your commute to quickly refresh your memory with a glance at your notes.
Use active recall techniques
Flashcards are a classic learning tool for a reason! Utilise the built-in knowledge checks within the FuturU platform, or create your own flashcards using physical cards or digital apps. Actively testing yourself by retrieving information from memory boosts long-term retention.
Teach what you learn
One of the most effective ways to solidify knowledge is to explain it to someone else. Discuss the material you’ve learned with your colleagues during breaks or team meetings. Not only will this solidify your understanding, but it might also spark discussions and shared learning experiences with your teammates, which can be beneficial for everyone.
Embrace continuous learning
The world of social care is constantly evolving, so stay curious. Participate in discussions with teammates about new practices or emerging challenges. And consider enrolling in the other free courses FuturU offers to broaden your knowledge and refine your skills.
Remember, the most effective caregivers are those who continuously strive to learn and improve.
We’re here to help
We’re here to support you on your path to success! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help – after all, only you know your learning needs and when you require assistance.
Your first point of contact is Noshaba, your Learner Support Coordinator – Noshaba’s contact details can be found in your Learner Handbook.
