Since the onset of the pandemic, students have had to pivot to learning online. Online or distance learning might have been the norm for more than a year, but it still has its challenges. Studying at home poses a lot of distractions, and it can be demotivating to be away from your friends at school.
Let’s face it. Staring at a screen all day is not easy, but it doesn’t always have to be so hard. You can make some changes to make the experience more enjoyable, and maximize learning at the same time. Here are some online class tips to help you stay focused:
1. Maintain a routine
Set a time for you to wake up, have breakfast, and start your schoolwork. Establishing a routine provides some structure, and helps give you some sense of control. Even if you don’t have to be in a classroom physically from 9 to 5, you can still allocate a set time that’s exclusively for studying.
2. Get dressed for school
The clothes you wear can impact your study performance and productivity. When you’re dressed in your pajamas or workout clothes, you don’t really feel like you’re studying. Dressing up helps you set clear boundaries between school and home life. You can easily change your outfit once you’re done, so you can ‘turn off’ from studying.
3. Have a dedicated study space
Set up a nook in your house for you to study. It should be away from your television, game console, or bed, so you’re not easily distracted. When you’re in that special study area, make sure you only perform school-related tasks. This is another way for you to establish boundaries at home.
4. Take down some notes
Writing down notes during class is a good habit to adopt for you to learn, and stay engaged during your study time. It will give you something to do with your hands, and it helps you remember your lessons better. It also gives you some semblance of traditional learning in a classroom as well.
5. Avoid social media during study hours
It can be tempting to go on Instagram or Twitter instead of reviewing your notes. That’s why you should avoid social media when it’s time for you to study. There are mobile apps that help people regulate their social media usage. You can also turn off notifications when it’s time for you to focus on schoolwork.
6. Wear headphones
If you can invest in noise-canceling headphones, you should. They help you zero in on your classes, and steer clear from distractions. This way, you can focus on your online class. When you’re doing homework or reviewing your notes, you can try listening to relaxing or classical music to help you get in the zone.
7. Take a break
While this may sound counterproductive, this actually helps you stay focused. It can be boring to study for hours without end. When you catch yourself slipping, take short breaks to get back in the game. You can go outside and get some air, or do some exercises. This way, you’ll be motivated to study again.
8. Stay hydrated
There is a link between water and cognitive performance. Basically, it’s hard to stay focused when you’re thirsty. Having some water or refreshments in your study nook or area will keep the thirst at bay. By doing this, you don’t have to leave your dedicated space every so often, and get tempted to do something else.
9. Fuel yourself with some snacks
It can be challenging to stay focused on an empty stomach. That’s why you should have healthy snacks with you while studying. Steer clear from junk food that may cause you to crash, and try loading up on delicious yet nutritious food like almonds, dark chocolate, and fruit salad.
10. Get enough sleep
One reason why you have a hard time concentrating is that you don’t get enough sleep. While it’s ideal to set goals and get good grades, you shouldn’t sacrifice sleep. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Having a good night’s sleep will improve your mood, boost your performance, and even refine your memory.
These are some of the habits you can adopt to improve your distancing learning experience. To help students pivot to the online learning system, we at CIIT Philippines developed CIIT Move or CIIT Modern Virtual Education.
CIIT Move encourages students to pursue their learning despite the challenges of studying in the online space. Through this modern virtual setup, students and teachers will never have a hard time accessing their online courses. Visit our website to know more about CIIT Move.
