Getting in the New Groove of the New School Year

With the 2020-2021 school year in full swing it may be difficult to get in the groove of things. We all know that keeping ourselves motivated is sometimes even harder than the schoolwork itself, especially with the circumstances we’re all under with the COVID-19 pandemic. As a remote learner I know it’s tough for me to stay organized and remind myself to stay engaged with my coursework and teachers. 

Remote and in-person students alike can use some of the same techniques to help get started and get finished. 

1. Make sure your work and studying area is clutter free.

A clean workspace will improve health and your sense of well-being. It will help you stay focused and complete your work effectively and efficiently. A messy              area can cause stress and leave you in a bad mood.

2. Set attainable goals.

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed by our schoolwork. It’s hard to take a step back and remind yourself to take a break when needed or know when you’ve done enough work for the day. 

When you set small goals for yourself throughout the week it’s easier to make a plan and stay on track. 

Breaking up your assignments into smaller sections, or going about your work one class at a time may help you to feel less bombarded by your coursework. 

It’s always important to listen to your brain and take a step back when needed. Not everything has to be completed all at once and if needed you can always ask your teacher for an extension. 

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

When having difficulty completing an assignment don’t be afraid to ask your teachers for help, that’s what they’re here for! There is absolutely no shame in not knowing an answer, that’s why we’re in school after all. Just shoot them an email on livegrades or google classroom being as direct as possible about your question, and they’ll get back to you with the answers you need.

4. Use study groups.

Along with asking your teachers for help it’s always good to have small groups of classmates to study with. Find someone who is also taking your class to take notes with or compare missed questions. Creating a study guide may help you ace the next test. Warning, though: DON’T COPY EACH OTHER’S WORK.

5. Start small.

At times it can be difficult to start your work for the day. Building focus is a skill we are all relearning after our seven month summer. 

If you’re having trouble beginning your tasks, start with something small to get you going. Cleaning your space or creating a checklist for today’s session may help you get started. 

Some quick tips include:

1. Be an active learner, ask questions and take lots of notes 

2. Pretend that you’re teaching someone else the material 

3. Do extra research on the topics to help you better understand the work

4. Make a study guide

5. Make sure you have everything you need before you start 

6. Take regular breaks

7. Eat light snacks 

8. Listen to music that won’t distract you