The pandemic has raised a multitude of challenges in almost every sphere of life.
As a Chinese language student, I knew what I was getting into.
However, adjusting to the workflow, unfamiliar environment and online fatigue became a challenge during my intensive summer program at the University of Virginia.
I faced these types of challenges using tactics to help me succeed in my classes and enjoy them.
Here is a list of tips and tricks I used to get through the program while still retaining what I learned.
Adjusting to a Heavy Online Workflow
My intensive program felt like it was more than just “intensive.” I had over 20 hours of class time per week, about four hours of homework daily and an exam every Friday.
I felt like I was in over my head.
I knew if I sat down to do all of my homework at once I would tire myself out too quickly. Instead, I worked on the assignments for one hour and took a 15-minute break.
This way I made the time to finish my assignments, take breaks and let the information sink in.
When it came to the weekly exams, I made practice questions for the oral section. Then I used Anki to review characters for the written section.
I still use this system today. It truly is effective for any fast-paced Chinese class.
A Change of Scenery
For the first week of class, I did everything in my apartment. From sunup to sundown, I stayed doing work there, only leaving to go for food.
It wasn’t until the second week that I became tired of the same old boring scenery.
I decided to try new places to do my work. First I went to the library, then the coffee shops and even to the beach.
I found changing my scenery not only helped me focus, but also helped me enjoy my classes more.
Avoiding Online Fatigue
In total, my program was eight weeks long with a three-day break in the middle. When I finished Week 4, I thought the rest would go by just as easy.
But I was wrong.
When the second half of the program started, I could barely pay attention in class. I found myself getting distracted very easily.
Even though I had changed my environment and adopted a new plan for doing my work, online fatigue felt unavoidable.
For the latter end of my program I had to adjust once more.
I decided that immediately after class I would take an extensive break to avoid screen time on any devices.
I started to run midday and go to the gym as a source of distraction from the large amount of homework.
Sometimes I would even watch a Chinese drama to passively practice my Chinese.
It’s important to note that this is not procrastination. As a college student I typically feel rushed to do everything by or before its due date. But taking a break is okay and necessary.
How has the pandemic affected your learning strategies? Do you have any advice for our other readers? Feel free to share below!
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