Ep.168 Why Independent Learning in Higher Education Feels So Hard (and What to Do About It)

#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 You will also hear why outdated frameworks like PEEL are not helping you and how you might be working incredibly hard but not always in the most effective way.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 essay writing feels like a slog, there is nothing wrong with you—you just need better support, clearer methods, and more strategic tools. I will also introduce you to my brand-new training, The Essay Fix, which is open for enrolment now. Tune in to learn practical shifts you can make right away to make essay writing feel easier, more focused and less overwhelming. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode169. Join the Essay Fix training. Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.

#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 should be, this episode will help you understand why—and give you a clearer way forward. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode168  Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.

#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 these issues and the specific study skills that can turn things around. Whether you’re aiming to pass confidently or push your marks higher, this episode will help you close the gap between the grade you got and the one you deserve. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode167  Check out the episode I mention on Bloom’s Taxonomy (episode 161) Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.

#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 practical strategies will help you create more brain space and make study progress easier—especially when you’re juggling complex tasks like assignment writing or revising under pressure. This one’s a mix of science, stories and simple tips you can start using today. You’ll leave with a clearer head, stronger study habits and a powerful mindset shift that’ll change how you approach your workload for good. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode166. Check out my membership, the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.

#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 trajectory over fixed goals, embracing the journey, and bouncing back from setbacks. Tune in to discover how you can make lasting changes to your approach, gain control over your studies, and ultimately achieve your academic and personal aspirations. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode165. Grab your FREE study session planners. Join the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.  

#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 resilient growth mindset to enhance your learning journey. I’ll share actionable steps to transform your study habits and boost your confidence, empowering you to take control of your education. Whether you’re balancing studies with work or family life, this episode offers insights to help you study smarter, not harder, and reach for that First Class degree or its equivalent. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode164. Grab your FREE study session planners. Join the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.  

#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 learning by improving your study habits, strategies, and mindset. We'll explore practical steps to boost your motivation, maintain focus, and develop efficient study routines. By the end of this episode, you'll feel empowered to tackle your studies with renewed confidence and clarity, knowing that the right process will lead to the results you desire. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode163. Join the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.  

#162 – In this episode, I dive into how to harness productive struggle throughout the essay writing process. Writing essays can be overwhelming, with countless opportunities to feel panicky and unsure. This episode is packed with practical strategies to turn your struggle into a powerful tool for writing better essays. I’ll help you recognise and overcome unproductive struggle, adopt a growth mindset, become a master problem solver, and take care of yourself during the writing process. Whether you're grappling with understanding essay questions, planning, or editing, I’ll guide you step-by-step from blank page to finished essay. To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode162. Find out more and enrol in Write Better Essays. Join the waitlist for the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.  

#161 – In this episode, I delve into the transformative power of Bloom's Taxonomy for essay writing. You'll discover how this powerful framework, developed by educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom, can help you deepen your understanding, better interpret essay questions, allocate your word count effectively, and self-assess your writing skills. I'll guide you through the six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy, showing you how to harness each one to enhance your essays and achieve higher grades. Whether you're balancing study with work or family commitments, this episode offers practical strategies to boost your confidence and elevate your academic performance. Tune in to unlock the secrets to writing better essays with Bloom's Taxonomy! To get the links and shownotes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode161. Find out more and enrol in Write Better Essays. Join the waitlist for the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.  

#160 – In this episode, I dive into the biggest barrier to higher essay grades, exploring what truly holds you back from achieving the grades you desire. By listening, you'll uncover actionable insights to help you break through these barriers and enhance your essay writing skills. I address common challenges adult learners face, from not knowing what skills to improve, to struggling with time management and understanding feedback. This episode is packed with practical advice and empathetic understanding, ensuring you feel supported and empowered to take control of your academic journey. Tune in to discover how to turn feedback into progress and elevate your essay grades to reflect your hard work and determination. To get the links and show notes for this episode, head to: https://chloeburroughs.com/episode160. Find out more and enrol in Write Better Essays. Join the waitlist for the Kickbutt Students Club. Grab a copy of my book, The Return to Study Handbook.