The best remote learning tips to see you through lockdown

Remote learning isn't an easy concept, especially when you're used to classroom scenarios with peer-to-peer input and a teacher on hand to help. But it is possible to make it work, here are some of the best tips to make it work for you.

Accept that online lessons are difficult to engage with

Learning online is just different from learning in the classroom. It's more challenging for students to engage with as there is no one to talk to. What can help here is to have someone to chat to about assignments so you can make sense of them aloud. A peer study group can help here as can talking to parent as you view the work.

Ask for specific teacher feedback.

Qualitative feedback is essential to student growth, and it can be forgotten when teaching remotely. If this is happening with your work, then ask for feedback. You need to know how you are doing and that your remote work has a purpose, to feel motivated to study.

Ask for autonomy

It takes skill and time to learn to work in a self-regulated environment. Use this time to refine your ability to organise and plan, to feel comfortable with working alone. Point this out to parents who want you to stick to a schedule and prove to them that you can do it.

Find relevance in what you're doing.

Right now you might be thinking what's the point in doing algebra or even learning the Periodic Table? However, finding a sense of meaning and purpose in the work you're doing by reminding yourself of why you are doing it can help you to stay focussed.

Make learning interactive.

As you're not in the classroom, you need opportunities not just to read, but to actively process the information being presented. Why not quiz yourself post-lesson as a form of retrieval practice, or get together with your classmates and have a trivia quiz to see who can remember the most. Make it fun, and you will learn more.

Be honest about your learning barriers.

Is it your phone, PS4 or the simple fact you find it hard to work alone? For many students having to work on their outside of a class, the scenario is hard. It's distracting and also hard to stay motivated, just staring at a screen. What can help is to print a hard copy of your lesson and work on that, then scan it in for submission.
Working in a room where siblings or other family members are working can also help. Lastly, keeping in touch with your teachers and asking for advice will also help here as it keeps the connection alive between work being set, you and your school.

Work with someone you trust.

Whether it's a parent or a tutor, working with someone on your set work can help you focus and get through the workload. Aside from helping you to think positively about work and your ability, it can help you get through your lessons faster and with fewer distractions.

Don't panic about the future.

If you are in years 10 and 12, try not to panic about what you're missing out on from lessons. Yes, there will be areas to cover when you return for 2021 exams but in the meantime now is your chance to catch up on missed lessons, fill your knowledge gaps and revise what you do know. All of this will prep you for your next academic year.

Master new skills outside of lessons

Remote learning is a lot to take in all at once, and it's not ideal for teaching new skills. It's why much of your remote learning work will be practice and revision. If you feel demotivated by this why not master new skills on your own. It doesn't have to be study-related but something that challenges you and keeps your mind active. Knowing you can learn something new can help motivate you to get through remote working with more enthusiasm.