Tips to learn better during online school

By: T. Kotler

​1. Get rid of distractions              
Most people are easily distracted by several things surrounding them. For instance, having a clean and neat environment can help you to focus better as you won’t leave you with any objects to fiddle with. Also, being alone can help you concentrate as even your dog can make you forget about your lesson. Finally, having your phone beside you can be a huge disruption. It doesn’t matter if you are using it or not, just having it in your desk can disrupt your train of thought. The best thing to do is to lock it in a drawer or give it to someone else until break time.

2. Make sure to wake up early             
If you are a student the chances are that you are not an early bird. I understand it can be very difficult to have the will to wake up early, I, myself, love sleeping until 11 AM. However, it is sometimes necessary. According to scientific studies, waking up at least 20-30 minutes before  can help you concentrate better throughout the day. Better yet, make sure you sleep go to sleep early. 

3. Be prepared for your lessons              
After waking up at a reasonable hour and drinking your morning coffee, you should look through your schedule and get your materials ready whether it’s a firefly link or a 5kg folder and a pen. Don’t wait until attendance to start thinking if your first period is English or maths. Be ready 5 minutes before class!  

4. Don’t worry about your other lessons             
This is certainly something you have heard before from all your teachers, but, it is true. Doing something from your next lesson during your current one is not only disrespectful towards them, as it can jeopardize  your learning. You should always do things related to your current lesson, because usually if you don’t, you won’t meet the deadline. This can also create a lot of anxiety which as we know can be extremely harmful to your mental health and thus, will only make it harder for you to maintain your attention.

5. Talk to your teachers              
I am constantly embarrassed to have to talk to my teachers, sometimes it’s because I should know the topic or because I just don’t know them too well but, most times I try to face my fear. We need to understand that they are also human beings and that like everyone else they must also have doubts and thus, they will answer your question. What most students subconsciously know but, don’t pay attention to is that they are the best help you can get and can probably better explain the topic than google can. 

6. Do things you enjoy!             
​If our teachers have some leisure time, so should we! It is essential for a healthy lifestyle to do things that you enjoy. For instance, I love to watch Netflix and to bake, maybe you prefer to read or to practice sports but, the important thing is to do something that takes your mind off your responsibilities every now and then.  By having fun and a good night's sleep your daily routine won’t be as tiring and you will manage to stay awake on your first period.