In Kenya, all schools are shut down due to the current pandemic: from nursery schools, primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. RVIBS is among them. And we have been shut (physically at least) for the last month. Parents and schools have been forced to embrace online teaching and learning to minimise the disruption to education.
At RVIBS, we are definitely not shut: LEARNING IS ONGOING ONLINE. Learning never stopped. However, we acknowledge that it is definitely not easy to remain productive in the home environment.
Learning from home can either be very lonely in these times of social distancing or constant distractions can disrupt your productivity: laundry needs to be done, dishes washed and the house cleaned. And your little brother keeps yelling questions from another room, causing you to keep losing your train of thought. On top of it all, cabin fever could be sneaking up on you.
“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” — Paul J. Meyer
If you’re not used to learning from home, it can take some getting used to. Regardless of your personal style, here are some tips to facilitate adjusting to your new situation during the corona-virus outbreak:
- Designate specific study time. Have a defined schedule and stick to it. Avoid sleeping in or lingering over breakfast, and get to work just as if you’re taking a matatu across town to your school, although you might be walking into the next room. Are you a morning or night person? This would be the perfect time to find out. Study the when you are most fresh, taking breaks to do other things when your concentration levels dwindle.
- Designate a specific study space. Do you have a study desk? Or even a coffee table in the living room? It could even be outside in the shade. Whatever and wherever it is, curve out a specific study area are with the assistance of your family members.
- Block out outside noises and sounds. You might think blasting Nyashinski’s latest hit song is the most productive way for you to work. Loud noises could be the worst thing for you to stay focused and get work done.
- Discourage personal intrusions. Collaborate with your family members or housemates to reduce interruptions while studying. Do you have to do housework? Depending on what your household schedule is, wake up earlier so that you have enough time to do everything.
- Avoid cabin fever. According to Oxford dictionary, cabin fever is irritability, and similar symptoms resulting from long confinement or isolation indoors. To avoid this, get out of home regularly. Find ways to connect with family and friends even if it is simple phone conversations.
- Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise and drink lots of water. A healthy body contributes significantly to a healthy and sharp mind.
- Keep your attitude in check. The times we live in are difficult for millions of people around the world and call for a lot of adjustments. Embrace them but most importantly, remain positive.
