A Student’s Guide To Learning From Home
For a past few weeks, the classwork of all the schools has been suspended to contain the spread of COVID-19. The closure of schools has stagnated the teaching-learning process. The students experience a significant loss. The teachers and parents are also grappling with the scenario. Our thoughts are with the teachers, students and families coping with the suspensions of classes. In this challenging time, we are providing some fast pro tips and guide to help the students navigate the remote learning.
Make a Plan
If you want to learn remotely in your home, look at the curriculum in advance and target lessons that you are expected to learn as per the curriculum.
The school and your teacher will prepare your lessons, but it’ll be good if you’ll plan how you’ll be studying at home.
Set Up a Work Zone
Find an area in your house where you can sit comfortably and focus. It should be comfortable, well-lit area and designate it for work.
Avoid working from the couch or bed – when it is time to relax your brain might find it hard to shut off work thoughts. Make it separate to your relaxation space. Ideally away from a TV screen or other distractions.
Plan Your Days
If you have one, follow the schedule you have prepared or provided by your school.
If you just have a list of things to study, break it down into tasks and plan to do the hardest ones when you have the most energy. Do one thing at one time. Finish one lesson before moving to the next. Do one assignment before another. Lessen multitasking.
Use Free Resources
Opt for content that’s easily accessible online, in a variety of mediums.
The school will provide the lessons, but you can also make use of other resources like notes or worksheets available online to support or expand it like http://www.smartenglishnotes.com
Involve Family
Homeschooling involves integrating the child’s educational schedule with his family’s regular routine.
Have a chat with your family and know what their expectations are with the home school setup—and what is expected of them and how and when they can help you in your study.
Keep in Touch With Teachers
Ask the teacher if you have to strictly follow the curriculum given, or if you have the freedom to adjust the schedule.
Teachers can also give you tips on how to effectively facilitate your learning. They can also get you in touch with other students.
Speak up and Ask for questions
When things get tough, don’t just push through it. Ask your parents, or reach out to your teacher.
Take Notes
Note-taking keeps your mind engaged. They will help you remember lessons as you watch or read them. It’ll also be useful for reviewing later.
Keep Your Routine
Treat your day as if you’re going to school. Get up, take a shower, have breakfast. Harness your imagination and picture that you’re at school and not at home.
Lock your phone away if you need to – don’t be afraid to ask your parents to intervene.
Create an Online Zone
Check-in on your students’ learning progress through online methods like Facebook page/ group or use a tool like Google Forms to make an online quiz any student can fill out with their device.
Over-communication
Set out your expectations clearly in all relevant communication channels.
Make sure students know exactly where to receive their assignments, submit their work, or ask questions.
Be Flexible
Learning from home can be difficult, new, and frustrating. Facilitate your study schedule closely, but be flexible to change it up based on your learning tendencies and emotional state at the time.
You probably have a schedule for your lessons, but if things are becoming difficult to focus on, take a 5-min break and come back to it – just let your teacher know.
Be empathetic of the home situation of other students as some may not have available adult supervision or reliable internet. If students need special support, be open to their unique needs.
Take Breaks
It’s simple advice – and you can’t underestimate the power of breaks. Add it to your schedule and make it fun—or be spontaneous and flexible and take it when you can.
Do your work in blocks to lessen the strain. After finishing one lesson, take a five-minute break before moving on.
Be Proud of Your Achievements
Studying at home isn’t easy. Reward yourself for each small success.