For Aussie students living in regional areas, remote learning has become a crucial part of their educational journey. However, keeping students focused and motivated can be difficult because classmates and teachers are not physically in the same environment, which leads to less supervision.

As a result, students need to find their own methods for staying productive when studying from home. To help, this guide will explore and offer a variety of strategies on how Sunraysia students can stay focused and motivated during distance learning.

Build organisation and time management skills

When we are studying online, it is very common to lose track of time and tasks. Thankfully, there are methods that you can use for boosting your organisational and time management skills.

For instance, keeping a diary or annual planner can help students stay on top of their deadlines and even help schedule their revision and study timetables. If you buy a 2024 diary to start off the new year, you can make sure that you’re ready to hit the ground running once Semester 1 of 2024 begins.

There’s also a lot to be said on the value of being able to record and tick off tasks as they’re completed. In this way, keeping a diary or annual planner can also give you a sense of accomplishment after you tick off completed tasks, which can further increase your motivation.

Create an effective learning space

Having a designated learning or study area is essential for effective learning. The first step in establishing an effective learning area is to ensure that you have the necessary materials. This includes your stationery, notebooks, study materials, and perhaps a cup of coffee. Gathering all the necessities can definitely boost your productivity when learning.

The second step involves eliminating all your distractions. Remote learning often takes place at students' homes where there are myriad distractions – yes, this includes your video game consoles, television screens, or smartphones. To keep yourself concentrated and focused, it is advisable to remove all these distractions and only keep what you need on your table.

The third step centres on making your study space comfortable. Remember to prepare yourself a cosy chair and a suitable table when you are studying. Besides, utilising natural light in your room can help reduce eye strain and improve readability of all your revision notes.

Setting goals

Maintaining motivation during remote learning becomes more attainable when you have a clear aim or target. By determining concrete and clear goals, you are not only able to keep track of your progress but also to gain a deeper understanding of what you are striving to achieve. Basically, what you need to do is to set SMART goals, which encompass five elements: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

• Specific: Your goal should be well-defined and precise. Instead of setting vague goals like "improving my grades," try to narrow it down and make it more precise, such as "improving the maths grade from C to B."
  
   
• Measurable: A measurable goal allows you to track your progress objectively. You can regularly track your progress, which is a quantifiable way to determine if you are progressing in the right direction.
  
   
• Achievable: Your goal has to be attainable and realistic. The goal you set has to be within your ability. You can do this by breaking down all your desired goals into smaller and manageable tasks. This allows you to easily keep track of your progress and increase your sense of satisfaction upon completing the task.
  
   
• Relevant: You have to make sure that your goal is aligned with your learning objectives. When you are engaged in remote learning, it is vital to prioritise what matters most to your education, thereby enhancing your effectiveness and motivation in learning.
  
   
• Time-bound: Adding a timeframe to your goal creates a sense of urgency and accountability. You need to create a schedule and specify when you intend to achieve your goal. It helps you to keep track of your learning and provides a clear timeframe for working towards your goals.

This useful framework can provide students with a sense of accomplishment and determination towards reaching their long-term goals. By incorporating these steps, you can increase the likelihood of achieving your goals.

Always reward and celebrate your achievement

Rewarding yourself is a crucial component in maintaining motivation during remote learning. The process of studying and learning remotely can be challenging, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed or demotivated. Establishing a reward system can help you to acknowledge your accomplishments and provide you with positive reinforcement.

This motivates you to keep moving forward and stay concentrated on remote learning. The next time you achieve a goal, whether it is a small milestone or a significant one, treat yourself with something enjoyable. The rewards can come in various forms. It can be letting yourself enjoy a snack that you like, hosting a video game night with friends, or perhaps even taking a short vacation during your semester break – just so you’re recharged and ready to study at your best. These rewards forge a positive association with your achievements, rendering your learning journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.

For students at Sunraysia in 2024, remote learning can be both challenging and an engaging adventure. To get the most of this educational experience, using tools like an annual diary, a well-organised learning space, establishing SMART goals, and making sure that you self-reward is crucial for staying motivated and focused on this journey. So, remember to embrace these strategies and make your remote studying experience more fulfilling and successful.