Maria Baini, Editor.
Having trouble keeping up with assignments this semester, struggling to pay attention during lectures, and hitting the snooze button a little too often are just a few of the struggles that us students are going through this semester. This school year has certainly been a rollercoaster for both students and professors as we’ve shifted to online classes. Although there are quite a few advantages of doing online classes, it is something that students have yet to adjust and adapt to.
If you’re a student that is struggling with online classes, looking to improve your attention and motivation, and anxious to succeed in your courses, here are some do’s and don’ts for successfully making it through a semester of online classes:
- DO create a routine
In person classes brought more structure to our day. The lack of structure of online classes can deeply impact how we prioritize the things we need to accomplish. Getting yourself into a new routine—whetherit’s the time you get out of bed, or when you choose to do homework—will help you be more in tuned with your responsibilities. Think of it as setting goals to achieve, but it’s the same goals every day.
2. DON’T get distracted by your phone
Sitting in a lecture and scrolling endlessly on your phone while your professor is talking in the background—does that sound familiar? Most of us are guilty. I know I’ve caught myself trying to mute my professor during a live lecture just to hear a TikTok. In this situation where we are virtually learning, it is so easy to pick up our phone when we start to lose interest. Especially where professor cannot see you (unless your camera is on, of course). Here’s an easy tip: leave your phone where you can’t reach it. Chances are you don’t REALLY need it during class time. Do yourself and your professor a favor and put it away
3. DO keep a planner
Losing track of due dates and assignments is very easy, even when school is in-person. Not only do you have a million things on your to-do list for school, but your life outside of school is also taking up a huge chunk of your mind. Keeping a planner and updating it regularly will not only help you remember what you must accomplish and when you will do it, but it will also help ease your anxiety. I find that feeling overwhelmed will cause assignments to clutter in my brain, but once everything I have to do is written down for me to see, it is not as much work as I made it out to be. The planner will also help you maintain that everyday routine that was mentioned earlier.
4. DON’T avoid asking for clarification
Remember that your professors might also be struggling with the new adaptations of online schooling. Learning is a cooperation now; you must provide each other with feedback and figure out what works best in this environment. If you are needing extra help with something, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professor! if it’s not shooting a question during class, then it can be sending a quick email at the end. Believe it or not, your professors do want to help you succeed—especially during times like these
5. DO make time for yourself
Just a reminder in case you’ve forgotten—we are students living in a pandemic. It’s okay to be a little more stressed than usual. Make some time for YOU in that planner. It is so important to prioritize your mental health and take care of your wellbeing as you’re going through the semester. Whether it’s taking a hot bath, seeing some friends, or taking a study break to get ice cream—always make some time for yourself.
