The students in our school, like all their peers in other countries, are spending a lot of time at home with their parents and siblings. At first, it was undoubtedly pleasant. However, as time goes by, it’s becoming slightly difficult.

Most of them miss their friends. They miss the joy of spending time outdoors, laughing and playing together. The joy of contact in this situation is experienced through the screen, often in the context of learning. Who would have thought it was possible!?

You probably never thought you would be happy to learn and follow lessons during a Google Meet lesson? I’m sure you can’t wait to go back to the classroom and organise your day in the usual manner. “Even if we have to do tests every day, we can’t wait to go back to school and spend time together!”, some of you have said.

You’ve realised in this situation how important education is. You are responsible; you are working hard, seeking explanations and listening to each other. Surprisingly, some of the students who have not been that active at school are now excelling! Yes, it’s possible: this situation can initiate productivity!

Some students find motivation in the fact that they can show others how they can work quickly and accurately; some want to win in a quiz, some like to speak in front of others without being interrupted… Some want their mum to see they can do it all by themselves, while others seek praise from the teacher… All of this is possible in the virtual classroom. Each student can apply the strategy that suits them best in order to achieve great results.

Some students have discovered hidden talents. Some fell in love with the digital world, while others limited the time spent in the digital world to school lessons. This is a good decision. In order to stay efficient and motivated, you need to have small breaks and enjoy the everyday things which, now that choices are limited, we need more than ever.

Of course, there is no perfect recipe. You are facing different challenges and goals. But diligence and honesty when faced with a difficult challenge increase your chances to be successful in this situation; to be winners!

However, it is important to remember that distance learning, in front of the screen, will last for a limited amount of time. In order to be productive in these circumstances, you need, as always, to set learning goals and make a daily plan, i.e. schedule of activities. Distance learning has its advantages and gives you great organisation possibilities.

For example:

• you can watch a lesson multiple times and ask for support if something is unclear;
• you have many additional and visual learning materials;
• when you have clear and good deadlines, you can be more efficient; don’t forget, we work better when we have a clear goal and enough time to complete a task;
• you can evaluate your progress easily;
• now that choices are limited, there are fewer distractions;
• and now your parents can follow your progress better than before.

Of course, the most important thing for motivation is that now you have many more challenges in the form of research tasks. When you have the freedom to shape your work, to explore sources and choose content, learning becomes play, allowing you to repeat the experience over and over again without any stress or limitations.

I am convinced that, once all this is over, you will be proud of your digital competencies and the responsible attitude you have towards your obligations and health.

And don’t forget:

For any advice on how to organise your studying and increase learning motivation, feel free to reach the teachers, afternoon activity coordinators and the school counsellor. We are there for you!

Milena Tarbuk, school counsellor