Habits that can Improve your Flexible Learning Experience

By Jayvee Maglonzo

“We need to move beyond the idea that an education is something provided for us, and toward the idea that an education is something that we create for ourselves.” –Stephen Downes

The drastic effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic are just beginning to surface as it drags on longer. Many aspects of our lives are stalled: economies plummeting, societies at brink of chaos, the poor ever hungry and helpless, our health and safety preparedness tested and proved frail, and our education sector taken aback by the drastic changes in the modes of education.

But in the words of our DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones “Whatever is happening in the country; whatever challenges we are facing, education must continue. And there is no doubt that it must. Schools, Teachers and Administrators eagerly strive to adopt to the new norm brought by this Pandemic. But the switching from one mode to another will require time for adjustments. 

But at the heart of learning are our students. Those once lively spirits cheerfully running up and down corridors whose voices answer in unison in response to questions thrown by the teacher are now shackled by the four corners of their home ever forbidden to even cross the streets where they once play at. It has been detrimental for our learners that the guidance and comfort of the school has suddenly vanished. But this, even though challenging, provides a great opportunity to teach our students independence and responsibility when it comes to their learning. Afterall at the core of learning, is the learner himself. 

Knowing the right tools, knowledge, and motivation is the key.

The secret behind improved learning is developing healthful habits that build up self-motivation in a learner. Research on habit formation has shown that behavior is likely to become habitual when it is frequently and consistently performed in the same context (e.g., Ouellette and Wood, 1998). No matter whether you’re having online, modular, or face to face classes these habits are always sure to enhance your learning experience.

• Learn to Carefully Manage Time

We always hear our teachers say that we should learn how to manage our time because it will be useful in the future. But ‘How do we really manage our time?’

1. Set up your body clock to a regular sleep-wake pattern. Rest for the night and work during the day. Sleep at around 9-10pm and wake at around 6am. This way you’ll make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep to make you feel energized in the morning. Regular sleep will also improve your mood and thus your motivation towards your studies.
2. Create a schedule that you follow and keep it where you can see it all the time. Writing or drawing a visual representation of your schedule helps you get a picture of your daily activities; what you must do and what you have already accomplished for the day. Being organized helps you stay on track, giving you insights if you are allocating adequate or excessive time for a particular task.  Easier tasks require less time and difficult tasks require more.

Setting up a good schedule also saves you from cramming, engrossing in too much social media, and overworking yourself by distributing tasks evenly while having ample and necessary breaks.

• Find a Study Space

You cannot associate studying where you watch T.V or eat or play games. It is essential that you must have a place in your house solely dedicated for your studies, where all your books, modules, and other school materials are located. Learning to study at this special spot allows you to retain focus that improves in each successive study sessions. This is because your brain signals you that whenever you go here, it must be time for study. 

A study space does not have to be grand. A simple one set up at a quiet corner where there is minimal distraction is fine. 

• Take Personal Notes

To truly enhance your learning, you must personally be involved in what you are studying. And to establish a personal connection you can take down your own notes. Yes, there will be digital or printed copies of the lesson but summarizing them from your own perspective using your own words gives them new meaning which is easier for you to remember. It will also serve as a journal of references which you can use for future studies. Do not just copy, try to bring the understanding of the lesson closer to yourself. Write your thoughts, insights, and opinions.

• Ask Questions

This leads us to a related habit of asking questions. Though it may seem cliché, some people do not realize that coming up with the right questions is an art, more so, asking the right people at the right time. When in doubt, we must learn to ask intelligent questions to our parents, peers, classmates, and most especially teachers. It is the only way for us to learn.

Do not be afraid to ask questions for it does not equate to stupidity but rather curiosity. When properly utilized, asking questions could lead you to a discovery of a whole new fascination for learning.

• Browse Intelligently

Along with asking questions is making sure that you use materials, resources, and references wisely. It saves up on time and effort and makes your work look more intelligent. Everything is accessible for us with the advent of the internet so why not make full use of it. In activities involving research, and advanced readings, knowing where to go and what sites to visit could spell the difference between success and frustration. Explore the web if you have spare time and take note of some helpful pages.

Read, read, and read! Reading is ignorance’s archenemy. And we can improve our learning experience by truly immersing ourselves in active reading.  

• Connect

Be part of a study group. Establish a communal study relationship with people who are interested to learn. Surrounding yourself with these people increases your motivation. Here, you will also have the opportunity to partake in healthful discussions, sharing, and forums which could be beneficial for your studies. Connect also to your teachers and classmates to always keep you updated. Read or listen to the news to give you a sense of awareness of what is happening in your community, the country, and the world today. Communicate with your family and friends. Let them know when you need help and when your study times are, so that they can offer you, their support. Spend time with yourself. Get to know yourself better. And finally, find time for spiritual relaxation. Make sure to dedicate time for prayers to listen to your God and find peace.

• Stay Healthy

“Mens sana in corpore sano: A healthy mind in a healthy body”. Our brain can only work to its fullest if our body is well. Have regular breaks that involve exercise and fresh air and eat good food! Exercising is not a waste of your precious time. There are so many research that proves the benefits exercise has on the body. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. And remember no matter how busy you become, always eat on time.

There are more habits we could add to this growing list but let’s focus on these few for now and try to adopt them to our daily living. Learning is a truly fun experience, and the fun comes from within us. If you do not allow yourself to enjoy the process, then you wouldn’t. The avenue has been opened, the truth revealed, now it is up to you to put these good habits into application. Believe and have the faith and conviction to stick to a good habit, dog on it, and you’ll achieve what others only dare dream of.