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I heard several incredible stories from our students when I called them over the phone in different towns and villages. I called the students to know about their conditions in their respective places during this Covid-19 pandemic. A group of students responded that the pandemic worsened the pre-existing mental health conditions mainly due to college closures, changed of routine, irregular network for online classes and inadequate information. In such situations, psychological outcomes are evident to all the students which lead to frustration and boredom. Switching from traditional classroom to computer-based online class makes the learning experience entirely different and very challenging for students.
Students Need Motivation: Motivation is one of the toughest tasks and biggest obstructions during this time of Covid-19 pandemic to achieve success in education. Sometimes learning is indeed a complicated challenge for most students therefore, it is very important to get motivation. If you do the toughest task first then it will ease a lot of your daily worries and enhance your self-confidence for the rest of the day. Also, start working slowly any task instead of jumping into something at full pace. Come out of your comfort zone and do not fear of failure, try to find the valuable lessons from each of your failures and learn from them. Students have access to a range of online resources, most of which are under- utilised. They can borrow from digital libraries, for borrowing eBooks to institutional access to research and journals. Students should take advantage of taking these tools. Manage your time properly; this is perhaps the most important skill to put into practice as you shift your learning modality to online classes. Pay attention to every minute of your day so your work gets completed on time.
Its Alright to be not Highly Productive Right Now: In a competitive world of studies you may get discouraged for not doing your best at your level.
However, it is normal right now. When work seems far-fetched, prioritise only on what you have for the day and let yourself have the rest of the day off. And do not beat yourself up for not getting through your entire to-do list. Set yourself minor goals to tackle as you move through the process of getting it done and do not forget to reward yourself once those goals are achieved. It’s okay to expect less from your work right now. Though this pandemic seems to continue endlessly this too will pass away.
Embrace Where You Are: Admittedly, it may not be conducive for online class at the moment but learn to relax, accept and embrace where you are. If things are not happening as you expected or if you are not seeing circmstances changing in your favour, open your grip on the situation; relax and learn to trust God. Believe that God has a greater plan for your life. If you overcome every obstacle, you can live that life of victory that God has store for you. Just embrace the place you are at and believe that God is in control, He is guiding you and directing you, (Joel Osteen).
Discover your inborn Potentiality: Every human being’s own unique way of learning and understanding things around them which may be called as inborn learning Potential. Myles Munroe said “Death in its simplest form is the termination of potentials.” The Sky is your start. Many youths wander the streets while their potentials go down the drain. The most terrible suicide is not jumping down from a skyscraper, but dying with an inborn gift, (Word press). Other people’s opinions do not determine your potential.
What they said or what they think about you does not change what God has placed in the inside. Do not allow negative words or attitudes to take root and keep you from pressing forward. Joel Osteen appropriately said; God would not have put the dream in your heart if He had not already given you everything you need to fulfil it. You have to realise that God has matched you with your world. God will never put a dream in your heart without first equipping you with everything you need to accomplish it. (Joel Osteen, 2007).
God commands us not to fear: One of the most comforting words of God is “not to fear.” Isaiah 43:1 He who formed you, O Israel, Fear not for I have redeemed you, you are mine. Joshua 1:9, Be strong and courageous Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. It is difficult to maintain an unwavering stance of hopefulness when a person is confined to their home for an indefinite future and is likely to be unemployed upon being released. Taking online classes may feel overwhelming at times. If you find yourself struggling with focus and motivation, take some time to consider what is not working and set reasonable goals. Even the biggest project or responsibility can be successfully handled if broken down into small, achievable steps. Keep pushing through and remember that all of this hard work will be worth it when you have finished your course.
Dr. Meyingangla
Counselling department
Immanuel College