College is a stressful period, and the pandemic exemplified the challenges. Significantly, remote learning affected the students tremendously. Most of us were new to online learning when the pandemic struck and disrupted our daily lives. Some of us got used to it and accepted the change. Yet, some people still find it hard to cope with the new normal. As a teacher myself, I’m well aware of the challenges faced by the world of Academia. Since the uncertainty still looms about whether we will return to remote learning again. I’m writing ten tips for college students to cope with online learning. This guide will help you manage and utilize your time and resources.
1. Establish Work Friendly Environment:
A work-friendly environment is necessary if you want to do anything productive. Seriously, As a college student gearing up to learn anything from an isolated environment. It would help if you built yourself a small hide-out or a corner, away from all the distractions. It assists you in understanding and learning better.
2. Divide And Conquer:
This rule is quite effective for students trying to cope with online learning. You do not have to study and learn every subject, everything at once. Make yourself a study schedule, prioritizing assignments and due dates. By doing this, you can meet deadlines without cluttering your head with information.
3. Incorporate Physical Activity In Your Day:
I can’t stress this enough. You must incorporate some physical activity in your daily life for more productivity academically. Even if you hate working out, go for a walk or dance a little. In fact, do anything that brings you joy and moves your body. This is a perfect way to distress and helps you focus more. You can read more about the benefits of exercise in stress management, Here!
4. Create Means Of Virtual Interaction:
Even though, you are isolated from an interactive environment provided by a physical classroom. This doesn’t mean you have to work in isolation. Join platforms like Microsoft Teams or Group Me to create an interactive environment with your peers.
5. Keep Things Interesting:
Sometimes we all have to deal with tasks we rather ignore. Some subjects become overwhelming for us. Look for ways to make it more engaging for yourself. Your priority should be to understand the concepts deeply. Once you do that, it will automatically become exciting and more accessible. Don’t shy away from asking for help if you need it.
6. Take Care Of Your Mental Health:
Let’s face it. Students today suffer from multiple mental health conditions that affect their academic performance significantly. According to the 2021 National College Health Assessment, 30% of students claimed that anxiety negatively affects their grades. Moreover, the 2021 Healthy Minds Study proved that 41% of students suffer from depression. These are alarming numbers. Especially now that most students are cut off from an interactive environment. Remote learning proves drastic for the mental health of students. To do anything, you must take care of your mental health first. Reach out to experts if you have the means. If not, be vocal about it. Nothing comes before your mental health. Always remember that!
7.Be Your Own Help:
All of us have learned more from self-studying than anything else. Make a habit; always try to find the solutions yourself first. This trains your mind to look for multiple ways to solve the problem. If you rely too much on your instructor, chances are you won’t be getting a lot of help. Try to learn the subject yourself first. And if you still face problems, you can always email your teacher.
8. Prioritize Recovery:
It can get overwhelming to study multiple subjects and solve numerous assignments. Taking care of yourself should be your priority. Whether you need to sleep in all day or watch a fantastic Netflix show, give your body recovery time to avoid burnout.
9. Create A Positive Mindset:
Creating a positive mindset is crucial to cope with online learning. Give yourself goals for each day and treat yourself for every milestone you achieve. Don’t focus on negative aspects of your situation, look at the brighter side. For example, Online learning may have isolated you but it has also given you more autonomy of your time.
10. Be Empathetic To Others:
Last but not least tip for college students to cope with online learning would be to develop compassion for others. Know that you are not alone. Many people are in the same boat as you and carry luggage whose burden you don’t know. Being empathetic with others will generate a positive environment for everyone. It will help you build better connections.
This ends our conversation on pro tips to help students with remote learning. If you like what you read, comment in the section below and let me know. Also, please share it with friends you believe might be struggling with online classes. Cheers!!
By
Fatima Mateen
The Fission Writer.