The end of the school year is almost here!
During these months, students focus on major term papers or final projects, while teachers continue to evaluate and organize lessons.
Teaching and learning new information or skills is not an easy feat. Yet, both became more challenging during the pandemic, when everything paused, including schooling. Though our country's education system is still adjusting to how it has affected students and teachers, we have all learned that we must strike a balance between our hobbies and duties (both applicable to both teachers and students).
One of the most difficult challenges that everyone in the school system faces is how to be productive in today's changing working environment for both educators and students. Someone might be wondering, "How can I study here at home when I hear my neighbor having a karaoke session?" "How can I join my class or faculty meeting? Ang labo ng internet connection!" or "How can I continue with my lesson plan when I have to make dinner for my children?"
While blended learning, which includes both on-site and online lessons, is beneficial, the question remains: how can someone be an effective teacher or student during these challenging times?
Here are some recommendations for you, whether you're a teacher or a student, to help you work smarter, harder, and care for yourselves better.
1. Create a routine that works for you. Everyone, from students to teachers, needs an established routine to help them manage their time effectively. Working or studying all day long can lead to mental exhaustion, which in turn can impact our emotional and social health.
Establishing a routine for each school day or week will help you feel more prepared for the next week. To make the end of each day, week, or even semester more exciting, you could create a schedule for your free time.
2. Set goals. You can establish goals within a variety of time frames. You might be able to complete short-term goals in as little as one week or day. There are goals that require more time and effort and can be achieved over a longer period of time. Your goals don't have to always be challenging, and they can be as simple as finishing your lesson plan or writing Chapter 1 of your thesis.
Just keep in mind that achieving your short-term goals will pave the way in accomplishing your long-term goals
3. Maintain a distinct workspace/study area and limit distractions. An ideal learning environment is one that allows instructors and students to focus on the task at hand. These suggestions may help you achieve this:
i. To avoid losing any materials you may need for class, keep all of your books, notebooks, and term papers organized.
ii. If your siblings or next-door neighbor regularly make too much noise, whether from outside talks, karaoke, or watching a movie, move to a quieter spot. As a last resort, you might speak with them and politely request that they be quiet at certain periods of the day.
iii. Turning off alerts on your electronics (phone, computer, or tablet) might help you stay focused and connected while attending classes online. Make every effort to avoid sending chat messages during class so that you can maximize your working or studying hours.
4. Eat the Elephant! No, we aren't taking it at its literal meaning. When we hear the phrase "Eating the Elephant," it suggests taking small bites. And the same goes for our responsibilities. How can we complete a major project? By accomplishing the little things that add up to the big picture, this will help you get that lesson plan or term paper done, little by little.
5. Reward yourself! It is quite acceptable to reward yourself, regardless of the size of the task at hand. Once you've finished your lesson plan or term paper, you can reward yourself by watching a Korean drama or eating your favorite snack. It can also be on a weekly or semester-based basis. For example, you might want to go on a trip after a long semester.
An important part of being gentle with yourself consists of taking account of what you've accomplished so far and rewarding yourself for your efforts.
6. Ask for help. At times, this could be challenging because we often want to undertake things independently. Yes, it is OK to ask for assistance, and we are here to reassure you of that.
It is our responsibility as teachers to demonstrate to our kids that it is perfectly acceptable to seek assistance when they need it. This being the case, we should also put this into action. Get in touch with your supervisor or coworkers if you need assistance with program planning or finding ways to make your classes more interesting.
Students might also benefit from this experience by learning how to work together effectively. When we work on collaborative tasks, we can get into the habit of asking for assistance. While it's true that some team members may be unmotivated to contribute, building a supportive team atmosphere and delegating responsibilities can help everyone feel more accomplished and get more tasks done in less time.
Collaborating with the Guidance and Counseling Department and the Human Resources Department to enhance mental health and wellness programs and policies is one method for school administrators to foster a supportive and inclusive learning and working atmosphere for their instructors, coworkers, and students.
This will also demonstrate to school staff and instructors that you care about their overall well-being. Plus, these programs teach kids that, despite all the challenges that come with school, they still need to take care of themselves.
Simply put, we believe that in the field of education, “we cannot pour from an empty cup.” Students apply what they learn in the classroom to the challenges of growing up and navigating the world, and teachers and staff do more than just transfer information; they also impart values and essential life skills.
During these vital years, we hope that both educators and students take a thoughtful journey. If you or your organization are interested in improving your mental health through support programs and protocols, Empath is here for you! You may reach out to us at partnerships@empath.ph.
References:
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