Online School Causes Stress
For the past year schools have been closed and parents have been forced to help their kids study during the Pandemic. The way we live our lives has been completely disrupted and learning is an area that has been struck hard.
Going to school and getting good grades is important, but when it starts to stress you out because you need a certain level of achievement to get into a good college, it starts to take on a darker tone.
Before Covid wrought havoc on our lives, about 21 percent of public schools and 13 percent of private schools offered any online courses. At the beginning of 2021, it seems that the only way to get an education is online.
The problem is it’s causing stress. 84 percent of remote students felt exhausted, suffered from headaches, insomnia, or other stress-related complications.
A study found that students’ engagement with learning, which is always a challenge, is especially low now. It also found that students of color continue to experience disproportionately high levels of stress and pressure.
Being able to study is one thing, but being taught is another. Not having an actual teacher to ask questions and guide you through your studies can create an environment that isn’t conducive for a student to achieve their best, and let's be honest – a Zoom call just isn't the same as in-person, in-classroom learning.
Coping with changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic means we have to adjust to the way we do things. In China, a study was done to find out how homeschooling affected students. Teachers there were concerned that students’ focus would decline causing a decrease in academic performance. The survey found that both parents and teachers showed higher levels of anxiety than usual. Over 17 percent of the students are suspected to have emotional or behavioral problems.
Something else to consider is the amount of screen time required to study remotely. Long screen time and insufficient outdoor activities can severely affect the eyesight, as well as cause back problems if posture is not correct.
Make sure you and your kids get fresh air and do some outdoor exercise. Staying indoors all the time facing a screen is unhealthy. It can also cause more stress.
If you are studying from home try and set out a proper schedule with breaks included. Set goals for yourself and a timetable. Being prepared is the key. Stress can sneak up on you, but if you make studying from home as close to a real school experience as possible it will assist you.
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