Ep.169 5 Reasons Why Essay Writing Feels So Hard (and How to Fix 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 You will also hear why outdated frameworks like PEEL are not helping you and how you might be working incredibly hard but not always in the most effective way.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.
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Ep.168 Why Independent Learning in Higher Education Feels So Hard (and What to Do About It)
#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.
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Ep.167 The Only 2 Reasons Why Your Essay Grades Aren’t Higher
#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.
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Ep.166 Brain Got Too Many Tabs Open? Outsmart Your Studying Overwhelm Today
#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.
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Ep.165 Small Steps, Big Results: How to Actually Achieve Your Study Goals
#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.
This podcast provides simple studying advice for non-traditional students returning to education to advance their careers. You’re in the right place if you’re a mature student, distance or workplace learner (or all three like Chloe) and studying for a degree or professional qualification. Chloe Burroughs, study skills expert and author of The Return to Study Handbook, will teach you how to study effectively so that you can boost your academic confidence, get more done in less time, and achieve the grades you really want.
Chloe understands what you’re going through — the stress of juggling studying around your job and personal life; the feeling that you’ve never actually been taught how to study effectively; the worry that you’re not going to achieve the grades you need to move forward in your career. You’ll learn step-by-step strategies for time management, organisation and productivity; boosting your studying motivation and confidence; overcoming negative thinking and fear of exams; note taking and reading; essay writing and critical thinking; improving your memory; and exam revision and preparation. In short, you’ll develop the skills to make the most of the time, energy and money you’re investing in your education — so you can gain your dream qualification.
With solo shows full of actionable study advice, conversations with other students, and interviews with education experts, Chloe Made Me Study will give you the confidence to achieve the grades you need to take the next exciting step in your career. So, if you’re a non-traditional student who’s ready to uplevel your study skills and results — hit that subscribe button to discover how to make your studying life easier.
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