Ever since the existence of COVID-19, it has made life and everything else difficult. For most of us, we are left with no choice but to adapt to the new normal. This includes how students have to get used to learning their syllabuses online using home computers or laptops.
But common problems tend to arise when it comes to home-based learning. Perhaps one of the most concerning effects is the deteriorating motivation to study.
We feel for all students and parents in overcoming this difficult task. Thus, we hope that with these 5 tips, parents and teachers can help their children, or older students themselves, to learn and study more efficiently.
1. Nurturing a student’s curiosity
Curiosity is something that has been engraved in every child ever since they were born. That can be any subject, such as languages or arts. Letting them explore the subject, especially if it’s not in their syllabus, can encourage the mind to solve issues creatively.
For example, if you know your child shows interest in a particular subject, say Mathematics, try encouraging a fun yet stimulating number-solving activity rather than getting them to do more homework.
2. You as the parent, should get involved as well
Motivating your child to study isn’t a one-way street. According to Professor Deborah Eyre via TheSchoolRun.com, “Children’s chances of success in a particular area are massively enhanced if their parents have a passion for it”.
In other words, get involved by becoming a role model and feed their curiosity, especially when they ask questions (which you’ll have to do so patiently). This is because children learn best from observing what the adults (you) do.
3. Focus more on the process than the outcome
Adopt Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous quote: “life is a journey, not a destination”. The takeaway here is that making your children focus too much on results would stress them even more. And in case they fail, they will become demotivated easily and can choose to give up.
By encouraging self-development, it would help your children in many ways such as dealing with mistakes and gaining better satisfaction in pursuing something.
4. Asking the right questions
Do not lecture them into studying. Instead, make the effort to form a meaningful discussion by asking them ‘creative’ questions about, say, what they have learned in a subject or the things that they did not understand.
This is a tricky yet rewarding task. Initially, you both may just be as confused, but it does get you both to discuss and learn together better (see point 2).
5. Allow them to have a balanced life
Imagine, you as the working adult, needing to spend all day working with little play and personal time. You’d feel burned out, right? That feeling is similar to feeling tired and unmotivated. Surprise! This same principle also applies to your child’s study.
So if you can have hobbies, why not your child too? Make sure that you let them have fun such as playing video games or hanging out with friends. Of course, do monitor the time given so that they don’t go overboard and indulge too much.
More ways to study at home comfortably
When it comes to home learning, it is important to create an ideal study environment for students. Here’s a quick list of how:
1. Invest in a good laptop for better productivity
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2. Have an affordable, yet comfortable office chair
3. Get a laptop stand for a better viewing angle while minimising neck strain
4. Consider a budget tablet as it’ll help students to learn faster since tablets start up faster and have a wide range of apps that can be installed for a better learning experience.
5. Use a good webcam that offers a smooth and clear streaming resolution. This is important for remote learning between the student and the teacher.
