Many aspects of our lives have become more digital in the last few months, and the way we learn is no exception. Making sure that students of all levels of education have access to continue learning is vital, and the best way to do that during a pandemic is through distance learning.
Whether you’re enrolled in more traditional college courses or you’re taking a different type of online course, finding the motivation to study can be tricky. The lack of an everyday routine can make it especially difficult to keep a consistent study schedule, and it can feel difficult to break up the day if you’re looking at a screen the whole time.
Here are some tips that will help you adjust and stay focused.
Create an everyday schedule
If your regular schedule has completely changed, the best way to stay motivated is by creating your own routine. Knowing when to study and when to concentrate is the best thing you can do in order to stay focused on your tasks.
The easiest way to tackle this is by dedicating one day of the week to gathering your responsibilities and creating a studying schedule. Include your classes and studying time, and don’t forget to add breaks. The more organized your everyday schedule is, the easier it will be for you to know what to work on and when.
Organize your study space
One of the most important things that many people overlook is their study space. Studying on a cluttered desk can make it difficult to get in the right mindset and stay focused.
If your workspace is small and your budget is limited, get creative with how you organize your space. Use cups for pens and pencils, keep papers and notepads stacked neatly, and tuck things away when you don’t need them. Sometimes simple things like an organized space really contribute to your motivation to study and learn from home.
Keep distractions away
Having your phone in the room while you learn can be a huge distraction, especially now that we’re all more reliant on our phones to communicate with friends and family. Even so, studying should be a priority that you devote alone-time to, so consider putting your phone elsewhere when you’re in class or studying.
Consider other things that may be distracting you, like the news, noise from neighbors, or the temptation to snack while you study. By keeping all of these distractions away, it’ll be easier to stay on track.
Stay focused during classes
Being able to stay focused during lectures and classes is key when it comes to online learning. While there’s no way to replicate the feeling of being in a classroom, paying attention to your teacher is crucial.
Pay close attention to what you read and hear. Keep detailed notes so you can review them after. The more you try to understand the subject, the easier it will be for you to stay focused and motivated to learn.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
A great way to stay engaged during class is to ask a lot of questions.
Marie Fincher, a writer, and editor for Supreme Dissertations, says, “Asking questions is a normal part of understanding a subject and making it your own. It will also help you build a more personal relationship with your professors. As a result, they will be able to understand what your learning needs are and help you make progress with your studying.”
Making distance learning work in your favor
While online classes and distance learning can be different from what you’re used to, there’s no reason it should hold you back from reaching your goals.
The best thing you can do is adapt to this new learning method - build a consistent schedule for yourself, limit distractions, and ask a lot of questions. The quicker you manage to adapt, the easier it will be for you to find the motivation to keep going.
Author Bio
Erica Sunarjo is a professional writer with a Master's degree in Marketing and Social Media. She writes thought-provoking articles for publications in a variety of media. She is a regular contributor writer at ClassyEssay and TrustMyPaper. Even though she is an expert in numerous fields of business, Erica is always dedicated to learning new things. She actively visits conferences and takes online classes to keep her mind open to innovative ideas.