Tips To Help With Learning From Home

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If you’re at school or Uni then the current lockdown means that you’re learning from home once again. We know that this was difficult for a lot of you last time but hopefully things will be easier this time around. Meic is here to help.

I ddarllen yr erthygl hon yn Gymraeg, clicia yma

Things aren’t new anymore and schools should be better equipped to deal with remote learning by offering live lessons and more support. We’ve put together some top tips for learning from home.

Teenage girl sat in front of computer taking notes for remote learning tips article

1. Work space

Try and find a quiet spot at home where you’re less likely to get disturbed. Learning is difficult if you’re being distracted as it’s hard to focus.

Sitting in the living room in front of the TV might seem comfortable but this is probably a busy room with lots of interruptions from people talking to the TV itself. You won’t get much done here!

Try to avoid studying where you sleep. It helps to separate your study from other parts of your life. You could work on the kitchen table or a small corner of your bedroom. If you have to study on your bed then try and close the space down afterwards by putting all your books and study items out of sight until you need them again.

A messy room is distracting. You can’t find anything, which doesn’t help and starts you off on the wrong foot. Be prepared for what you have coming up. Clean up and order your study space and make sure you have everything that you’re going to need like pen, paper, calculator etc.

Ruled paper with hand holding pen ready to write

2. Plan tasks

Having a plan will help you get things done. Put together a to do list or a timetable so that you can keep track of what you’re meant to be doing and by when.

Plan out each piece of work to make sure you leave yourself enough time to get it done. Look at each task and figure out what you need to do to complete it. Think how much time it will take and set goals for yourself. Make sure this is achievable because you’ll stress yourself out if you set yourself tasks that you’ll never be able to complete in the time you’ve set. Make sure that what you’re doing is relevant. Are you prioritising the tasks that need to be handed in soonest? Or are you procrastinating and doing the things you enjoy instead because it’s easier?

Having a plan to get things done, and being able to tick them off will give you a sense of achievement. Check out these Easy Time-Management Tips from the NHS.

3. Eat and Hydrate

Make sure you’re eating well. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – having something in your stomach will help you focus on your work rather than focussing on the fact that you’re hungry. Eating healthier snacks and meals is preferable and can help your brain to focus, but just making sure you’ve had something to eat is a good start.

Always keep a drink, preferably water or diluted juice, close by so that you can keep hydrated. Keeping hydrated is known to help focus your concentration, memory and problem solving skills.

Mobile phone with chain wrapped around it with number dials to unlock for remote learning tips article

4. No distractions

Keep those devices out of reach. It can be too tempting to check your phones and tablets ‘quickly’ and then find yourself an hour later having scrolled through your socials or got stuck in a TikTok video loop. Devices are the ultimate time wasters when you’re meant to be studying. If you struggle to leave your devices alone, admit this to yourself and remove from reach. Give it to a parent or leave it in a different room. Focus on the task at hand.

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5. Listen to music

Music can be a great aide to study and can actually help your brain. But it’s important to pick the right type of music that isn’t going to distract you or create a more frantic workspace.

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6. Take breaks

Take regular breaks to give your head a rest from all the work you’ve been doing. This could include taking some exercise by going for a walk, bike ride or a run. Plan your breaks. You won’t miss breaks that way (or take too many little breaks) and you’ll have something to look forward to.

Speech bubble, blank, on an orange background for remote learning tips article

7. Tell people what you need

Tell people exactly what you need. If you need quiet, tell them. If you need support, ask for it. Sometimes it’s difficult to notice when someone is struggling, so don’t keep it bottled up. Be firm and tell people what you need.

If you’re really struggling, and need to talk, then our advisers here at Meic are here between 8am and midnight every day. We’re here to listen and can offer information, advice and guidance. Call, text or chat to us online.