More than a year has elapsed since the coronavirus pandemic started and the situation has still not normalised. Uncertainty still prevails over the future of students, over completion of their respective syllabi and over their examinations. In Pakistan, owing to the recent surge in the coronavirus cases, continued closure of educational institutes is on the cards.

This situation imposes a greater burden on students to do all possible efforts in order to remain dedicated and focused towards their studies. Some of the ways in which students can keep up with their studies are mentioned as under.

Practice self-study:

Live virtual classes, though appealing they seemed to be, have not been fully successful and cannot substitute the face-to-face learning process from which students benefit in school. However, as mentioned before, the ‘school routine’ has not yet normalised.

To combat this short-coming, giving more time to self-study is a good idea. Carefully and attentively reading the course books at home will certainly do a great benefit to students as far as understanding a topic is concerned.

Use the internet for help:

There are certain concepts and topics which cannot be mastered by reading course books alone; they can certainly be mastered by using the internet for help. In this modern era, various lectures and videos along with loads of information is available on the internet which can not only prove helpful in giving an understanding of the concept, but can also broaden the vision regarding that particular concept by viewing it from different angles.

Course books offer limited knowledge on a topic; the internet, on the other hand, has unlimited information to offer! So, if any topic perplexes you while doing self-study, use the vast knowledge on the internet for help.

Test yourself:

In school, a student is accustomed to giving regular tests which may be in the form of class tests, monthly tests, mid-terms or mocks. However, the disruption of the school routine has disturbed the conduction of these regular tests.

As an alternative, you can take tests of yourself after going through a particular topic. This will not only help in evaluating your grip on a particular topic but will also help in memorising that topic effectively.

Follow a ‘school-like’ routine:

In school days, most of us follow a strict routine which includes getting up early, studying in school and then sparing time for homework. However, this routine is mostly disturbed during holidays. So, when the school is open for only online classes, we should follow the same routine which we would have followed had we been going to school is essential.

Getting up early and avoiding sleeping late at night is the first step in this regard. Giving the same time to studying at home as we would have given in school is the next, and an even more important step.

Exercise control over your emotions:

In my view, the most important requirement in keeping up with your studies is self-confidence and self-restraint! In the present situation, when one does not even know what will happen a day later, whether schools will remain open or will close, when the examinations will occur and whether they will occur or not, exercising control over your emotions is the need of the hour.

There is no disagreement over the fact that such a situation is frustrating, but this frustration should not de-track you. You should be confident in yourself and not give way to this frustration conquering your emotions. Remaining committed towards studying may be difficult these days, but is essential for those who aim high.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 7th, 2021