TIPS FOR REMOTE STUDYING

Studying from home is a new challenge for many of us. If you are in secondary school, uni, training, working, or anything and everything in between, we hope some of the tips below will be helpful.

Treat school days like school days

Even though you are studying from home, it is really helpful to keep a schedule that still feels like going to school. On a normal school day, you’d get out of bed at a usual time, get dressed, have breakfast and start your day. There would be breaks throughout the day and school would end at a set time. Sticking to this kind of schedule can help you stay focused and on task throughout your day. Still remember to have scheduled breaks – this will stop you from feeling too drained.

Find a place to work

With most of us at home, it is important to carve out a space that is ours as much as is possible. Have a chat with your parents, siblings or other people in your bubble about how to share space. Set rules and boundaries that identify your space and the times you need to focus. Communicating your needs will help others respect your space and time.

Keep distractions to a minimum

There are far more distractions at home than at school –the fridge is right there, the other people you live with are around and entertainment and social media are just a click away. Try to limit distractions during study time by choosing a space that is as quiet as possible and that is separate from your normal distractions. One of our best tips is to put your phone away while you are studying. If you still feel tempted by your phone, turn it off or give it to someone else in your household until you have a scheduled break.

Make sure you have what you need

Depending on where you live and your level of study, accessing school remotely may require physical material, a television, or even a computer and a good internet connection. If you do not have the materials you need, this is not your fault. As a student, you are entitled to accessible education. It is really important to let your teachers know what materials you are missing and what you need to access learning. This may include a computer, internet access and a quiet space.
Your teachers can’t help you get materials unless they know what you need. Please speak up for yourself about your needs! They can then work with the government to ensure you have access to your education.

Ask questions

For many students and teachers, distance learning is brand new. Have a chat with your teachers if you are struggling with any of the work or concepts they are going over in class. Letting your teachers know when you’ve gotten lost will help them become better at teaching remotely, and it will also help other students who have the same questions but are shy about asking for a better explanation.

Nervous about speaking up? Give us a call.

Being proactive about getting what you need, whether it’s from your household or from your teachers, is especially important right now. Even so, it can be scary to ask for what you need, especially if you are naturally quiet or worried about putting others out. If you are nervous about talking about your needs, have a chat to a friend for some support, and you can also contact our Helpline. That way, you can practice what you are going to say and gain some confidence to speak about your needs. You can contact Youthline here.

Additional resources

For more information on distance learning, you can visit the Ministry of Education website where they have posted various resources available for distance learners, including educational TV channels in English and te reo Māori. There is also a separate Learning from Home website that contains educational resources in English, and the Kauwhata Reo website with educational material in te reo Māori.

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