How to Study From Home Effectively? The Appropriate Methodology For Online Education
Figuring out what you need for self-study and why it's okay to be lazy
How do you study at home?
There are many different ways to study at home. However, what we are going to talk to you about is online education. By the way, there are many useful educational platforms and services, like WritingAPaper, that can help you with essays of different complications. It provides original content for affordable prices. Besides, let’s return to our main topic. Online learning at home should not be confused with studying at home one-to-one with your teacher.
Online education can be differentiated according to two criteria: self-education and education with the help of a teacher. It can be a mentor, a tutor, an expert, etc.
Let's start with a simple one - online education with a teacher. It can take place in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Synchronous learning involves the simultaneous participation of the teacher and the student in real-time, while asynchronous learning takes place without their interaction.
A synchronous online course assumes that your learning will take place according to a clear timetable, in real-time, with a teacher and a group. In this case, you already have a program to follow, and an available social pressure factor in the form of teachers and groups. You also get feedback from the teacher, which helps you move in the right direction. So basically, a synchronous course is a piece of work done for you.
In an asynchronous online course, the instructor creates a syllabus for you in advance, writes down theoretical units, selects learning materials, and prepares homework assignments. However, the rest of the learning is based on your responsibility. There is no social pressure or feedback from the teacher.
But if we talk about self-education in its purest form, this concept implies completely independent learning. A person chooses the trajectory of the educational movement himself, creates the educational program for himself, searches for materials for himself, studies them himself, and checks himself. Often this process of self-organization can take up even more resources than the learning process itself.
Of course, approaches can be mixed. For example, taking a synchronous online course and at the same time searching for additional materials on your own for in-depth study.
What are we lazy to learn?
Our brain is cunning and somewhat lazy. When we learn, it grows new connections between neurons. This is a very energy-consuming process - learning new things takes up 20% of the body's energy. So when there is an opportunity not to waste energy, the brain tries to do just that.
When we are trying to learn a new skill, our brain makes sure we start solving the problem in ways we have long known. In other words, the brain defends itself with a psychological pattern - automatism.
We find it easier to act in familiar patterns because that's how we expend far less energy. And no matter how effective techniques we use, it's still hard to fool the brain because it loves familiar patterns. That's why learning new things is always an effort.
But, of course, there is good news: learning to learn on your own and liking such learning is possible (and necessary). Here are some tips on how to do it.
1. A daily schedule and discipline are your friends. Yes, saving time to go to university or school is good, but that's no reason to sleep through the day and all the lectures. You will have trouble concentrating on such a regimen.
2. And regarding concentration. Studying online, the desire to check notifications on both your phone and PC grows like yeast. So don't be tempted to put your gadgets aside if you don't need them while you study. Or set it on "Airplane Mode" so you won't be distracted while you study.
3. To improve your learning, don't give up taking 'old-fashioned' notes. Scientists have proven that this way we remember information better.
4. Pajamas and a warm bed are certainly comfortable, but they certainly won't get you in the mood for work. Even when you stay at home, don't forget to create a work environment. Separate the place where you study from the place where you relax, change into something not so homely, and make the study area comfortable.
5. Be less distracted by news feeds and Facebookfights. In a moody period, it's very easy to lose focus and start wasting your time learning another COVID-19 conspiracy theory.
6. Don't leave all tasks to the last day before the deadline. Plan your week by adequately calculating how much time you need for each task. Sleepless nights have never made anyone healthier.
7. If you have online classes, seminars, or one-on-one tutoring sessions scheduled, make sure your technology is working properly so a loose microphone or camera doesn't interfere with your plans.
8. Don't forget to rest. Yes, it's good if you decide to take all your saved online courses, but the better your rest, the more productive you will be.
9. If you are studying online at a foreign institution and you have mandatory online group classes, find out in advance if there is any way to deal with the time difference. Waking up at 3-4 in the morning for a lecture is not to everyone's liking.
10. Stay in touch with your classmates. Exchange views on learning, discuss lectures, and have ZOOM parties - keeping in touch socially will also help you to be in a good mood and therefore more productive.
What are the conclusions?
It is possible and necessary to learn on one's own. To do this, you must first learn how to learn.
Intrinsic motivation and self-discipline are essential in self-study. It is important to set a specific learning goal, choose the most convenient way and time, and be regular and self-organized.
For more effective learning and visible results, it is advisable to find the best writing services and communicate with an expert at least occasionally to get feedback, so that it is easier to spot areas for growth and move in the right direction.
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