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4 Study Types – Personal Curriculum Tips

Posted on Author April EdwardsPosted in Intellectually Alive

a little freebie that can spark ideas for designing learning plans that actually work in real life – from my online class: Lesson #1 – How to Set Up Your Personal Curriculum.

I have found that understanding the 4 types of personal curriculum study can spark ideas for designing learning plans that actually work in real life.

I put together a little freebie with examples of each type, and I think it’ll help the ideas click.

⭐Don’t miss the video for a piece of Lesson #1!

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Let’s go through a quick overview from the video content.

The 4 Study Types:

#1 – Relaxed but Intentional

  • a simple list or items gathered in a basket based on very current favorites or seasonal reading
  • blends structure with spontaneity: a rhythm, not a rigid routine
  • centers on ease and enjoyment
  • learning that fits naturally into daily life

This is currently what my personal curriculum planning looks like in this season.

my photo – commonplace notes on Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown

#2 – Eclectic Study

  • pulls together a variety of materials: articles, podcasts, essays, conversations
  • combines ideas, books, and resources from multiple fields or disciplines.
  • encourages curiosity-led connections
  • reflects real-life learning: layered, flexible, and always evolving
brown wooden books on brown wooden table
Photo by Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash

#3 – Theme Learning

  • weaving ideas, books, and experiences around a shared topic or question
  • brings focus and depth by exploring one idea from many angles.
  • creates meaningful connections between subjects
  • helps learning feel cohesive instead of scattered
a person sitting at a desk in front of a lamp
Photo by Kevin Yudhistira Alloni on Unsplash

#4 – The Academic Approach

  • mirrors a traditional school or college framework
  • helps prevent decision fatigue
    • Once your “course” is mapped, you can focus on learning, not logistics.
  • encourages you to build a well-rounded education, mixing core disciplines with personal passions
  • think of it as a gentle syllabus instead of a strict checklist
  • can grow with you
    • start structured, then loosen as your confidence and curiosity expand
person holding book on blue textile
Photo by Haley Truong on Unsplash

Action Step =

make some quick notes for yourself:

  • Which approach matches your personality?
  • What feels natural for you?

I have used each of these study types at different times in my life when my mood, caretaking demands, and schedule has matched what I needed.

The structure you create can change based on your season and other demands.

What matters is that you are enjoying your learning!

For 17+ years I’ve helped students, parents, and fellow teachers figure out how to build learning rhythms that actually fit their real lives (busy schedules, kids, messy days and all).

I’m not here to hand you a perfect system.

I’m here to help you shape something that works for you.

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Check out my 5 week self-paced class!

course details

Each class contains:

  • video lesson
  • 📝PDF’s printables
  • quizzes
  • community interaction

Together we’ll design a personal curriculum that helps you stay grounded in growth. My goal is to help you rediscover curiosity, create a learning rhythm that feels doable, and reconnect with the joy of growing for its own sake.

I can’t wait for you to jump in and feel that little spark of “oh wow, this actually works.”

Putting this class together was such a joy, and I’m thrilled to hand you something truly useful.

💻See you in the class sessions!

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P.S. — I know it’s a big ask to buy a class, but everything else I share on Substack (and my blog) is free and will stay that way. Your purchase helps me keep creating and supports my writing expenses.

course details

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