Transitioning from traditional classroom learning to online instruction requires both learners and teachers to adjust to a new form of interaction changing the way they communicate, receive, manage, and manipulate materials to meet learning goals. Therefore, possessing effective study habits is the key to avoiding procrastination.
As online education takes place differently, both students' and teachers' roles in the learning process change. Educators become facilitators and learners’ have a more increased responsibility in their learning as they need to be actively engaged daily and work alone without the teacher's supervision. So, I am sure a lot of you are wondering how you could ease your students’ passage from traditional classroom learning to online instruction.
While distance learning allows students to work at their own pace, staying focused, organized, and motivated are some of the most important challenges they might be facing right now. Therefore, the best way you can support learners as a teacher or parent is by creating a routine that encourages them to develop good study habits.
1. Having a study plan or a study calendar
A study plan or calendar indicating what needs to be completed each day helps learners to prioritize assignments, so they can stay on schedule and meet deadlines.
2. Scheduling learning time, having a dedicated study space, and avoiding distractions
It is important for students to have a fixed learning schedule and a quiet place where they can study alone. Establishing a routine helps students to avoid procrastination and to stay more focused while learning. To maintain self-discipline more easily, learners also need to eliminate all kinds of distractions such as a younger sibling, video games, or smartphones.
3. Prioritizing, setting time limits, and taking study breaks
Setting realistic time limits for each activity, prioritizing tasks, and regularly taking study breaks will increase learners’ engagement and motivation. Starting with the most difficult subjects or tasks first, reading information out loud, taking a short break between activities are some of the effective strategies that will support learners in maintaining concentration and successfully accomplishing study goals.
4. Communicating and asking for help
Communication is an essential element of online learning. Since interaction between teachers and their learners is less continuous in an online setting, students should be encouraged to communicate with educators through various means: email, forum, or web conferencing. Regular participation in online discussions and web meetings may increase students’ understanding of the subject matter as they have an opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions, and react to their peers' ideas.
5. Positive reinforcement
Students may have a hard time maintaining their motivation and concentration when it is so easy to get distracted at home. Positive reinforcement to reward learners for successfully accomplishing tasks could be an incentive to increase learners' productivity.
In the long term, good study habits do not only contribute to academic success. For instance, learners will also become more tech-savvy; they will also develop autonomy, self-discipline, and effective time management and organizational skills.
If you have more tips for supporting students in becoming successful online learners, please share them in the comments section.
Stay safe!
Kynga C.
