Virtual classes offer very contrasting challenges to in-person classes. However, if you look closely at both options, a pattern starts to develop. Data has shown that online learning increases student retention capacity by as much as 60%. In contrast, in-person classes have a retention rate of about 10%. This essentially means a higher number of full-time online learners have better control over their environment, work at a reasonable pace and tend to have more control over different processes.
Nevertheless, not everyone succeeds with remote studying. The apparent limitations of virtual classes and the struggle to stay focused and motivated make it challenging to study remotely.
Considering the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to emergency remote teaching by academic institutions, there will be more reasons to engage in virtual classes. This makes understanding how online learning works essential to adjusting rapidly. Additionally, students need to recognize the role of self-discipline in online learning productivity.
Self-discipline for online learning
It’s evident how much digitalization has impacted our world. Online learning offers an exceptional opportunity for students to learn anywhere and at any time. However, while we recognize these benefits, we also understand how hard it is to handle the freedom that comes with studying at home.
To overcome these limitations, online students are required to employ some essential skills to ensure they are productive. A critical factor that determines online learning productivity is self-discipline. Simply put, self-discipline is doing all that needs to be done before it is due. This is regardless of your feelings towards the task. It represents a student’s ability to control emotions and overcome weaknesses.
Unsurprisingly, transitioning from in-person classes to remote studying has been difficult for most students. The internet alone poses many distractions, making developing self-discipline critical for success. Thankfully, self-discipline is a skill that can be developed.
Developing self-discipline skills
Building self-discipline is an excellent way to improve as a student and hold yourself to a high standard. Here are four ways to strengthen your discipline and become more productive.
- Be organized
Organization in this context refers to many things, including creating goals, setting schedules and identifying specific targets to work towards.
In-person classes do not require precise organizational skills. They offer fixed times for every activity, including quizzes, tests and assignments. However, without a fixed timetable, everything is up to you. In this case, organizing everything to match a school setting is good practice.
A good start is to set up a study space. Creating a study space involves fashioning an environment similar to a school setting. By doing so, you are setting a clear boundary between study and relaxation areas, which should support better concentration levels.
Additionally, you should also create achievable goals and set up daily schedules to ensure all tasks are done on time. Set realistic learning goals and specify how you intend to achieve them. Finally, assign specific timeframes to them.
- Manage your time
The importance of time management in remote learning cannot be overemphasized.
Studying remotely requires a student to cope with tasks from various classes while also learning at their own pace. This can be pretty overwhelming if you do not manage your time effectively.
Students should master the act of prioritization to succeed. By giving critical activities higher precedence, you can identify the best time and process to accomplish different goals.
Another efficient way to manage your time is by employing deadlines and checklists.
Keeping checklists and a list of deadlines helps to identify critical tasks and assign time to complete them.
- Communicate effectively
In truth, online classes will never wholly replicate the face-to-face interaction in-person courses offer. Due to this, engaging in active and effective communication becomes much more critical for both instructors and students.
As an online student, you should be proactive in communicating with teachers and, to some extent, other students. Do not avoid speaking up about any issues or requesting solutions. By communicating effectively, instructors can guide students through a shared learning experience. This encourages active participation and better understanding.
Additionally, proactive socialization with other students fosters a greater sense of community within an online class. This helps you feel connected to other classmates and better replicates the in-person class experience.
- Stay motivated
While it’s easier said than done, this is one of the most rewarding ways to develop your discipline. Staying motivated can be very difficult for online students. Numerous distractions and e-learning limitations make it hard to remain focused.
Nevertheless, staying motivated when studying remotely ensures maximum productivity. An effective way to remain motivated is by minimizing distractions as much as possible. Set up a study space devoid of distractions, cut down on noise and ensure you find the best environment for efficient studying.
Another trait of successful online students is their ability to set long-term and short-term goals. Identifying specific goals will help you know what to do at all times. As a student, setting short- and long-term targets will help keep you on a more focused and efficient path. Additionally, you can reward yourself after meeting each goal.
Benefits of self-discipline for students
Discipline is one of the essential elements of remote learning success. Here are some of the key benefits students stand to gain by becoming more self-disciplined:
- Self-discipline improves academic performance
- Students develop better control
- Goals are achieved at a higher rate
- It improves your all-around personality
- Self-discipline boosts self-confidence
- Critical to attaining mastery
- Self-discipline creates consistency
- Students get higher satisfaction from accomplishments
With these, it’s evident how vital self-discipline is when studying remotely. Being more organized, improving time management skills and communicating efficiently are all necessary practices to improve your discipline. You will also be ready to engage in different online programs, one being Baylor University’s DNP Executive Leadership program.
Baylor University offers a 100% online training program that allows nurses to gain advanced knowledge in leadership and the healthcare business. This DNP-ENL program also features advanced business acumen and leadership skills relevant to transforming hospitals and healthcare systems.
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