Wednesday, October 28, 2020
The year 2020 has been a year of ultimate change and adaptation to the “new normal”. With physically distancing still in place, many of us have resorted to studying and working from home. Here are six strategies for success that you can start using right away.
- Create a study space and stay organized. Not only does having a designated learning environment for your studies increase your productivity, but you'll also create a space for you to stick to your routine. You may want to get a set of headphones to help you focus or allow you to speak more clearly during online lectures. Ideally, wherever you are, whether it be your desk or the kitchen table, you will have access to high-speed Internet to ensure you are fully connected and have all of your course materials readily accessible.
- Treat your online course the same way you an in-person one. When taking online courses, the dedication should be same as it would be for an in-person class. Set aside time for you to study and review your course assignments, tests, and other projects. When you make a commitment to complete something, ensure it gets finished so you can mark it off your “to-do” list. Remember, procrastination is not your friend.
- Be responsible and accountable. With spending more time online, it’s normal to see continuous virtual reminders for due dates of assignments or tests. Practice time management, as it is your responsibility as a student to make sure you keep up with your course deadlines. You are more than encouraged to reach out for support while you study online. Your instructors are valuable resources with industry-experience, and they’re available to support you in your studies.
- Engage with your studies. By this, we mean actively participating in classes and not just showing up. For example, if your class has an online discussion board, you can engage with your peers and instructors by posing questions or responding with your own thoughts or ideas. Just because you are learning from home, it doesn’t mean you are alone.
- Take regular breaks. By taking frequent breaks, you allow your mind to refresh and take a moment to absorb what you've been studying. Stepping away from the screen will also help prevent you from getting “burnt out” from too much screen time. Studying from home also allows flexibility – if a structured 9 to 5 does not work for you, then you can choose the hours that you feel are most productive.
- Find a learning style that works for you. Not everyone learns the same way, so you have to pick a learning style that works for you. If you are more of a visual learner, then you should look at video lectures or printed notes. If you are studying while caring for kids at home, you can set aside time midday when they might be napping, to get some quiet, focused time. If you are more of a night owl, because of other commitments during the day, such as work, studying at night might suit you best. Or, maybe you need the right playlist to get you into the studying mood.
We hope that you can use these tips to help you achieve your study goals this semester. Remember that everyone is different, so don't be afraid to try new things and see what works best for you.
Good luck with your studies! If you require additional support, also feel free to reach out to Student Services.