The introduction of Edtech has completely revolutionized our ways of learning. Today’s classrooms are awash with technology, making them more exciting and engaging. It’s unsurprising to find computers, projectors, electronic whiteboards, laptops, tablets, etc., in modern lecture halls.

While studying at home has been around for a while, it was not until the COVID-19 pandemic that most institutions embraced it fully. Remote learning is now the “new normal.” So much so, online courses for ITIL cert and even yoga are now easily accessible. And like many new things, it’s taking some people time to embrace it fully. Many learners are struggling to stay focused and get the work done. But all isn’t lost. We know a few tips and tricks that can turn your remote study space into a productive oasis. Read on to find out how to study at home effectively.

The Challenges of Studying at Home

Before we delve into the tips of making the most of your remote learning, let’s explore some of its common challenges:

Lack of structure and discipline

Even though studying at home comes with some level of flexibility, you can easily be distracted and lose focus. Unlike the classroom environment where a teacher leads and directs the learning process, remote learning requires your own planning and time table. And with no lesson plan or schemes of work it’s almost impossible to stay focused. Added to the fact that the home environment has innumerable temptations such as TV, pets, social media, tempting treats in the fridge, or nosy neighbors always peeping for rumors, it’s hard to stay on track and not succumb to distractions.

Lack of social interaction

Sociologists and human behavior experts maintain that the most important lesson from formal education takes place outside lecture halls through interactions between learners. Traditional classrooms allow students to engage socially, which is critical for their development. Without such interactions, they may lack the skills required to belong in communities. They may also lack a sense of camaraderie. Some studies have shown that home schooling can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Humans are social beings. Therefore, without a constant and reliable connection with others, you may begin to wither away.

Limited access to learning materials

Typical college semesters have four or more courses with each requiring several books, articles, and periodicals. High schools often expect students to buy over 10 books in a year. Not forgetting other learning materials that are quite expensive. However, traditional learning allows for pooling of resources in libraries, reducing the number of books each student buys. If you want to study at home, you may be forced to bear the burden alone. This could strain your resources, especially when working with a tight budget.

Challenging work-life balance

The balance between work and leisure time is critical for wellbeing. Yet, many people struggle to establish clear boundaries between the two. How do you create a clear separation between time for kids, your pet, class assignments and essays, friends, and yourself? In most cases, people find themselves drifting in between, leading to inefficiencies and distractions. If you don’t work smarter, you’ll end up with a work-life balance crisis.

Unlock Your Academic Success: 10 Tips to Study Effectively at Home

The pandemic may be gone, but remote learning is here to stay. So, how can you take advantage of it and not feel overwhelmed? We’ve got a few strategies to help you hack it. Below are 10 tips to effectively study at home:

• Set up a designated study area: Not every room or space in your house is good for your studies. Identify a suitable spot you can use without getting distracted. It could be your balcony or attic. Just ensure that you’re away from unwanted attention and interruptions.
• Set specific goals: The first question to ask yourself before settling down to study is, what do I want to achieve today? Complete a topic, finish a chapter in a textbook, revise a concept I didn’t understand, or compare notes? Setting goals will help you stay motivated and track your progress.
• Create a schedule: The home environment can be full of distractions. Therefore, it’s critical to develop a reliable routine and stick to it. You could develop discipline and become more effective in your studies with a predictable schedule.
• Break it down: Rome wasn’t built in one day. Always remember to divide your study material into smaller, manageable chunks. Apart from preventing overwhelm, it will help you absorb what you read more effectively.
• Take regular breaks: The brain is a fascinating organ. As powerful as it is, it needs breaks to recharge and function optimally. You can go for a walk, stretch, snack, or listen to music during your rest.
• Seek support: Contrary to popular opinion, asking for help isn’t an attribute of weakness. Sometimes it’s all you need to rejuvenate and go again. Try your classmates, tutors, or teachers. But if they’re not forthcoming, seek help from professional writing services such as CustomWritings. It’s a reputable custom essay writing service for all your papers. Moreover, they can write your assignments in minutes!
• Practice self-care: Neglecting yourself for studies won’t help you. It’s vital to care for your physical and mental well-being. Try having enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and relaxing.
• Dress appropriately: What you wear can set the tone for the day. Your motivation depends on it. Therefore, avoid wearing pajamas or loungewear, which could attract a lazy mindset. Something comfortable, relatable, and official could do.
• Avoid multitasking: We’ve all been victims here. Trying to do multiple things at the same time. Being at home can only complicate it, making it harder to stay focused on studying. Baking that cake you crave, while following a TV program in the background with a book in your hands. Or scrolling social media as you read. You might think you have it under control but the truth is that multitasking is detrimental to your productivity.
• Stay organized: This may sound far-fetched but it’s critical to your success. Having a messy studying area can easily lead to distractions. You don’t want a pile of clothes, dishes, books, and other unnecessary materials on your table. Don’t forget that a clutter-free environment promotes focus and productivity.

Avoid Distractions and Excel in Your Home Study!

The traditional classroom is slowly but surely being replaced by remote learning. Edtech is finally taking root in our education system and we can’t afford to be left behind. And for the contemporary student, there are a few lessons to learn to excel at studying at home. However, the most significant take-away is to avoid distractions. Learn to organize your study area, dress appropriately, practice self-care, create a working schedule, seek support, and avoid multitasking. With these, you’ll well be on your way to academic success.