School had been canceled for more than half a million students because of the rising coronavirus pandemic. With more than 100,000 confirmed cases in the U.S alone, recent updates by the school district to combat the coronavirus health crisis stated that schools will remain closed until May 1st, and most likely for the rest of the year.
In its official statement, LAUSD stated it would continue instruction and teaching through methods of online learning. The efforts toward online learning, however, have proven to be challenging for students and educators alike. Teachers are still learning to use online tools and resources to reach their students, while students are still learning to complete their schoolwork efficiently in the setting of their homes.
As schools plan to continue instruction and students are forced to remain inside their homes, the question must be asked: how do students remain productive in a different school environment?
Create a dedicated workspace.
There are several key steps and tips for remaining productive. The most essential, for any student, is to create a dedicated workspace. Because of a lack of physical distinction between school and home, it becomes difficult for many to differentiate between work and play. Instead of overworking and feeling fatigued, it is recommended that students create a dedicated work area. Without this distinction, students will grow tired and bored with their work because they are constantly stuck in the same environment. To get around this problem, creating a dedicated study area will help students maintain their focus.
Remove distractions.
The second key to remaining productive, whether it be completing a homework assignment or watching an online lecture, is to remove all forms of distractions. When students are in school, there are figures of authority, such as the teacher or principal, that force you to be on your best behavior and learn to the best of your ability. Without these,, students will often be tempted to open their social media, play video games, chat with friends, and lose their concentration on schoolwork because of short attention spans. Simple acts such as turning off electronics will dramatically increase productivity.
Remain goal-oriented.
During these times of uncertainty, all clubs, sports, and extracurriculars that school students are involved in have been canceled. However, keeping objectives and goals to follow on a daily basis can keep students motivated and focused. Both short-term and long-term goals will help them stay on track and help students focus on the bigger picture. Instead of mindlessly going through the events in one’s daily life, creating a to-do list, or having some bigger task to complete, will help students to remain motivated and accomplished, even when stuck in the closed setting of their homes.
Create a reasonable sleep schedule.
School has always been tough on the student’s sleep schedule, and although in a different work setting now, students should not use this time as a vacation. Realizing that they are still participating in school learning, students should maintain a reasonable sleep schedule. Waking up late can create negative habits which directly impact the brain’s ability to absorb and retain information. Poor sleeping habits should be avoided during the coronavirus health crisis to continue productivity in classes.
While following the aforementioned steps, it is important to keep in mind that everyone has different study and work habits, and these tips can be modified and adjusted to work best for the individual. Remote learning will be a challenge for all students, but maintaining productivity will be essential in continuous learning.
Dean Kim, Grade 10
Cleveland High School
