When the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown first hit, we all had to make some previously unimaginable adjustments. Some of these were short-term. Others are still here with us. As another school year commences, it may feel like things will never return to “normal.” While that’s a worthy discussion for another day, it makes sense to marshal our energy in the name of finding silver linings in the meantime.
For example, if you feel you can improve on the spring/summer education experience, it would help to have some key strategies for successful online schooling. Let’s look at what we know:
Some of What We’ve Learned About Online Schooling
A Hybrid Approach Can Work
Even prior to the pandemic, studies were showing that a variety of approaches is ideal. In 2020 terms, that could mean your online student experience blends live teaching with pre-recorded materials. Post-COVID, it will likely mean schools will move toward a hybrid of in-person and online schooling.
It’s Very Much Case-by-Case
As with all educational environments, there are myriad variables. The quality of your experience can hinge on the school district, the individual teacher, and your specific needs as a student. Thus, it will hold that you’ll love some classroom experiences while merely tolerating others.
Teachers Are Bearing the Brunt of the Burden
No one was ready for a switch to be flipped in March 2020. Teachers, however, had to solve problems, improvise, and adjust on the fly without any previous training. Overall, their efforts have been remarkable. With a summer to prepare, things will probably get even better.
Key Strategies for Successful Online Schooling
Embrace the Opportunity to Improve Your Skills
Online schooling is making new demands on you as a student. Turn this perceived negative into a big positive by stepping up to hone your skills in terms of concentration, organization, and communication. Get comfortable with taking initiative more often. All of this (and more) has the added bonus of better preparing you for the workplace in the future.
Practice Compassion
This year has exposed some pretty broad schisms in our society. You can do your part as a student by taking a big picture view of what you are doing. Everyone — including you — is struggling and learning as they go along. Why not see this as a chance to cultivate more connections instead of creating more division?
Control What You Can Control
You didn’t ask for this academic situation but focusing there won’t change it. Instead, try aiming your energy at what is firmly under your control, e.g.
-
- Staying on top of the technological requirements
- Submitting work on time
- Staying active on discussion boards
- Being compassionate (see above) in your email interactions with your teachers and fellow students
Take Care of Yourself
Your online schooling experience can run more smoothly when you are mentally and physically in tune. Practice some form of stress management. Safeguard your sleep habits. Engage in some kind of daily activity and/or exercise. Make healthy eating choices. This kind of fundamental self-care lays a foundation from which you can better deal with the uncertainty of 2020.
Ask For Help
Our lives were uprooted earlier this year and no one should be expected to have it all figured out. When it comes to schooling, you may be desperately missing face-to-face interactions. Losing a sense of community can be disorienting and debilitating. Rather than blame yourself for not adjusting, accept that this has been a tough year for everyone.
Ask for help. Talk to a professional. Share your feelings and work together with a counselor to conjure up new approaches and strategies. Getting an A is awesome. Safeguarding your wellbeing is even better.
For more information on Family Therapy, click here.
