Take a moment to close your eyes and think about what you were doing during the last online class you had. Be honest with yourself! I’m guessing that you probably thought about how you paid attention for half the class and how you were on your phone for the other half, checking social media or texting your friends. Does this sound familiar?
Online school can admittedly be tiring at times, but it is extremely important for us students to pay attention in class. One of the most important and essential skills you learn from simply focusing in class is listening skills. You may ask, when will you need this skill in life? Well, listening is important and something that is used everyday, whether you know it or not. When you meet someone, you listen and have a conversation with them. When you are in an interview for a club or job, you have to listen carefully, then respond. When your friend or family member needs someone to talk to, you need to be an empathetic listener. Kevin Hart once said, “The best tip I could give you is to be active. So many people talk about what they want to do and they just love words. Put actions behind your words. Don’t be a talker, be a doer.” This quote essentially means to put your full effort in what you do. In a school setting, this means to be engaged in class by listening and participating. Paying attention benefits you in many ways, as it helps you learn new information better and successfully process that information for a future test or exam.
Now that you know the importance of listening attentively in class, you might be curious about how you can actually pay attention in class while at home. It can be difficult, but here are a few tips to help you focus better during online learning in the pandemic.
Put your phone a place where it is not in your reach, remember, “out of sight, out of mind”
Be well rested and don’t compromise on your sleep, maybe take a shower before going to class to help you stay awake in the morning
Take detailed notes to ensure you’re following along with the lesson and keep your mind busy in class
Get involved in class discussions and participate with others
Study in an undistracting, minimalistic environment - tell your family to not disturb you when you’re attending online classes
Taking these simple steps can dramatically improve the way you learn for the better, as it will help you concentrate in class. Although it may be tempting to pick up your phone and scroll mindlessly through Instagram or go to your kitchen to get a quick snack during your online classes, remember that you’re still at school! If it helps, try asking yourself, ‘would I do this in a normal, physical classroom setting?’. Paying attention to your teacher and the lesson at hand is important so that you can succeed on future tests or projects, as it makes doing homework and studying an easier process later on. If you find it difficult to focus while attending virtual classes, try out a few of the tips above, and I guarantee you that it will only bring positive results!
Sources
“Why Is Important to Pay Attention in Class?” Reference, IAC Publishing, www.reference .com/world-view/important-pay-attention-class-fdbcbdcb5212612a.
Motivation, Fearless. “11 Powerful Kevin Hart Quotes To Inspire You to Greatness.” Fearless Motivation - Motivational Videos & Music, 3 May 2017, www.fearless motivation.com/2017/05/03/kevin-hart-quotes/.
Cozza, Helaina Florida State. “How to Stay Focused During Class.” Spoon University, 28 Apr. 2017, spoonuniversity.com/healthier/how-to-stay-focused-during-class.
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