Coronavirus and the quarantine period have adjusted our plans. In a few days, we gathered all our things and moved to study and work remotely. As a consequence, we faced with new challenges – how to do it effectively? Although on the internet you can find many various tips, lectures and seminars answering this question, we still want to share with you some basic ideas how to organize studies at home – it might be beneficial:
1. Start with the environment – choose a comfortable and appropriate place for studying. The place should be the one where you would be less distracted by the irritations of your surroundings, without distractions from the relatives, where TV or sleeping on a comfortable and cosy bed would not steal your attention from the studies. It is important to find a place where you can concentrate and work without difficulties.
2. Plan studying time. Consistent learning and getting exercises done will make it easier for you to keep up with study material and do not feel anxiety when you should study, but instead are doing something else. Plan time period (hours or minutes) you will spend studying. Schedule when to start and finish learning and what you intend to do at that time. Do not forget the breaks!
3. Avoid distracting stimuli. We all know how quickly and imperceptibly our attention is caught by Instagram, Facebook and more. Just turn off all apps that are not necessary for learning. This will make it easier to focus on study material and it will help to feel less tired, as you will not constantly shift your focus between two different activities. Print and learn from study material instead if you are tempted to go to YouTube or any other platforms while studying via computer.
4. Be active. While attending remote lectures, perhaps with a cup of coffee sitting comfortable on soft armchairs, stay active and engage in the learning process – summarize key information, note questions – move your neurons to keep them from boredom! Organise video calls with other students to help each other to find difficult-to-understand content easier and the way more interesting.
5. Be kind to yourself and others. Remember – this, remote learning, situation is new to all of us. Hence it takes time, trials and effort to keep things going smoothly and successfully. Be patient and compassionate towards yourselves – it takes time to develop a new discipline. Be patient and compassionate for the others – lecturers and administration strive to provide the best quality, but they also need time to master new skills and routine.
