Home based learning has BEGUN! If you’re a student, you’re either “OMG NO SCHOOL FOR 1 MONTH! Time to do more tik toks at home!” OR “Wa, I’m a bit nervous leh, not sure if there I can be cope, especially since major exams are this year”
Either way, you gonna need some help. Personally, I have been working from home for more than a year. It’s been tough to stay focused at times, but I’ve complied 3 Main Points and practical tips that has helped me, which I believe it’ll also help your through this 1 month and beyond!
1. Be SERIOUS!
Most of you are OVERJOYED that school is “out” for 1 month. Yet, behind this decision, there are very serious reasons. On a personal level, it’s not a time to slack completely and ignore your work. This could lead to more stress later in the year.
Instead, be CONSISTENT with your work. If you want to build muscle, which is more effective? Going to the gym 7 hours in 1 day OR 1 hour over 7 Days. The second one of course! Your brain and memory works like a muscle too. It remembers and learns better when you space out your revision.
For those of you that are nervous, I do understand that sudden changes may cause stress and anxiety, especially if you’re taking major exams this year, and are not used to studying at home. Yet this change is necessary and its affecting everyone. Instead ask yourself:
How can I adapt?
Use it as a chance to develop your resilience and ability to be learn independently, which will help you for life. Focus on what you control: What actions can I take to help myself be productive and disciplined? Which leads to the next point below:
2. Optimize your Environment
Your environment is EXTREMELY important. There is a saying that goes “environment is stronger than will”. If you set up your room or work space well, 80% of the battle is won.
To optimize means to ‘make the most of’. How can you ensure you have the best environment and habits?
Here are some tips:
CLEAN YOUR DESK AND YOUR ROOM. Do it for your Mum’s and your sanity. Take half a day to tidy and clean your entire room. A clean and germ reduced environment makes you feel fresher and more energetic. A less cluttered (messy) desk also makes your mind clearer and more focused.
Organize your learning materials and classify them into subjects. When it’s time to revise or learn about one subject, take all the material you need and put it on your desk. Leave the rest of the other subjects stored elsewhere. This ensures you don’t waste time finding things and reducing your energy.
Get everything you need for one study/revision session. Your water bottle, stationery, healthy snacks and fruits, speaker. If you keep having to get up and find stuff, you lose the momentum.
Put on some light classical or study music. Research shows music can relax the mind and help you focus. Everyone has their own preference, so pick any that works for you.
EVERYTHING IS PERFECT HERE, EXCEPT ONE THING ;) Spot it? If not, read the next point.
Remove Distractions. Social media, your bed and phone are your biggest distractions. A proven way to break bad habits is to remove the cue (the thing) that leads you to the bad habit. If you feel the urge to reply texts immediately when your phone vibrates, then put your phone in the cupboard or another room when you are working on a task.
Be resourceful. If you need help with work, find innovative ways to get it. You can zoom your friends to discuss topics, research it online, or check with your teacher on how to reach him/her if needed.
Work out a Schedule! This is by far the most important. Here’s a step by step way to do it.
Step 1: Write your TO DOs at the beginning of the week (Do this on Sun). This includes Your HBL assignments + the revision/practice you want to do. Be specific, e.g: Practice 2 chapters of Math this week, revise 3 chapters of Science notes, etc.
Step 2: Break down your TO DOs into specific tasks and time slots. For example, Practicing 2 chapters off Math can be broken down into 30mins x 4 sessions.
Step 3: Schedule all your specific tasks into a calender for the whole week, either an online or physical calender (Try Evernote, its free an quite useful free app on your computer/phone). Do this on Sun night for the whole upcoming week. On each night before the following day, look at your schedule and mentally prepare yourself for the next day.
Some additional tips for scheduling:
1) The schedule can be changed! The benefit of having an online calender is that you can move things around and make small changes during the week if needed.
2) You don’t need to squeeze everything and stick to a very specific time. If you’re just starting out, this is difficult. Instead, split your day into Morning – Afternoon – Night. Schedule your activities in. As long as you complete them within that period, its fine !
An VISUAL example of how you can use EVERNOTE to schedule your work below. Note: ‘SES’ stands for Session, not Social Economic Status XD
3. Don’t be TOO SERIOUS!
After being serious and optimizing your environment, the last thing to do its CHILL. HAVE FUN. SPREAD YOUR TIK TOK VIRUS. This I don’t need to elaborate much, since everyone is good at this.
Your mind needs rest and play is important, just make sure you be serious first!
Here are some suggestions to use your break time:
1) Find time to EXCERCISE. Go out and run or exercise (Practice safe distancing of course!)
2) Further your PASSIONS AND INTERESTS. Watch videos, listen to podcasts or learn about topics in your area of interest outside your textbook.
3) Zoom with your friends, it’s important to stay socially connected and encourage one another if needed
4) Spend time with your family over some board games or watching shows/movies. Now is a good time to build understanding and connection.
That’s about it! Hope these helps you. Use this time to improve yourself and your study habits :)
Stay Safe and Stay Resilient !