Practical Tips To Manage Home-Based Learning

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, home-based learning was rolled out nationwide after schools have closed in April 2020. The safety guidelines encouraged schools and tuition centers to transition to HBL or online learning to educate their students. Simply put, HBL is having lessons and classroom interactions at home.

Eventually, students went allowed back to school.

Time passed and the rise in community cases led to the Ministry of Education’s decision to have a full home-based learning for students in primary schools, secondary schools, and junior colleges (i.e., until May 28, 2021). Furthermore, center-based tuition and enrichment classes will continue with its online learning until June 13.

Students in Singapore had to adapt to these changes and to manage a home-based learning lifestyle. On that note, here are some practical tips to help your child to study at home.

CREATE A CONDUCIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Whether you have a corner or a room for studying, your child will benefit from having a designated space for learning. Working or studying from home can be a challenge due to the myriad of distractions around us. Thus, it is important to create a space where your child is motivated to learn.

Much like a classroom, having a special learning space can help create the mental and physical divide between personal time and study time. The common elements of a conducive learning environment include good lighting, well-ventilation, accessible learning materials, and distraction-free space.

HAVE A STUDY SCHEDULE

Planning ahead enables you to develop a daily structure for your child to adhere to. This daily structure will allow your child to see what they need to achieve during the day.

Most primary schools in Singapore have their own home-based schedules. Incorporate the school’s schedule to your child’s study schedule. Then, find a time to get to know your child better. Take this opportunity to spend quality time with your beloved one. Ask your child about his interests, dislikes, dreams, and goals.

STAY HEALTHY

With less physical activity indoors, it is important to eat healthy food and to exercise regularly. Although it can be tempting to offer your child sweets and junk food to boost his or her attention, these types of food can give your child energy crashes. Your child is likely to feel a drop in his or her energy level after a sugar high. You do not want to see your child sleeping in front of the computer screen!

Instead, offer periodic breaks and nutritious meals. Letting off steam by exercising can help improve your child’s focus and minimize the stress levels.

ENCOURAGE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Home-based learning entails continuous adjustments from both the parents and the students. This includes the way students interact with their peers. Just because your child is isolated from his or her classmates does not mean that you need to neglect one’s social development.

Create opportunities for interaction by allowing your child to have Zoom/Skype hangouts with his friends. They can stream a movie or play games online. Having “social breaks” after your child accomplishes his school tasks can motivate him more.

OPENLY COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER

The key to HBL’s success is to follow the teachers’ instructions. Engagement with the teachers will allow you to maximize the productivity of your child. They will be able to give you helpful suggestions if you are transparent with your child’s current progress. Moreover, talking to people who can understand you can help minimize the stress, especially for teaching younger children.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You are not alone! These changes are not easy for anyone. Parents can take time off work to supervise their children’s learning habits. Children may find it harder to study at home due to multiple distractions. Teachers must prepare more materials given that they have less control over their classes. Hence, it is important for everyone to work together.

At the end of the day, your common goal is to make learning more effective.

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Surefire Ways To Save Money As A Student In 2019

As a student, keeping a budget may sound intimidating or boring. However, you must understand that having a budget is essential to enjoying your academic life. Saving extra cash while sticking to your budget will help you gain control over your finances, especially in Poly or Uni.

May the following tips aid in keeping your wallet afloat!

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOUR STUDENT ID

Not many of us take pride in our student identification cards (ID). Do not get me started with the image attached to it! Well, your perception may change upon knowing how powerful your ID is. The potency of your ID may pour outside the halls of the school. Many retailers offer discounts or freebies upon the presentation of the student ID. For instance, I used to take advantage of the ticket discount in the nearby cinema. While, my sister’s Alumni ID doubles as a Nets FlashPay card.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Check with your student services department to learn more about the discounts that are readily available to you.

EAT AT HUMBLE PLACES

With a youthful spirit, dining among friends is a common pastime. Consider eating at kopitiams rather than spending your allowance on restaurants. Gain a sense of nostalgia by searching for the nearest kopitiam.

Kopitiam in shopping centers allow you to go cashless. Kopitiam cards are available for top up in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, S$50 and S$100. Use this card to eliminate 10% off your transactions!

LOOK FOR A PART-TIME JOB

Widening your streams of income beyond your monthly allowance allows you to save more. If your academic load and schedule permits, you may consider acquiring a part-time position. Begin by asking for the vacancies in your university.

Some universities provide students with convenient jobs such as in libraries or computer labs. The administrators at such places understand the importance of attending classes and making extra income. Otherwise, you may consider various home tutoring options.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Fulfill your academic and financial responsibilities this coming year by finding efficient ways to stick to your budget, to save extra cash, and to widen your streams of income. Good luck! 🙂

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4 Essential Money Questions Poly And Uni Students Shall Ask

Entering Polytechnic or going straight to University can be exhilarating! Some even move to different countries and make significant decisions by themselves. Managing your personal finances at this age can be challenging but it is always a good idea to start early.

Because of the hefty fees and other expenses parallel to Polytechnics and Universities, it is important to consider these aspects of your finances…

1. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING WHAT?

Poly and Uni students can collect money from different streams such as their part-time jobs, parents, loans, grants, scholarships, or a combination of all these. On the other hand, the categories of expenses are varied too. You will be paying for tuition fee, books, transportation, food, living expenses (if applicable), and so on.

Sit down with your parents to discuss who is responsible for paying each of the expenses. Offer to help if possible.

2. HOW DO YOU MAKE A REALISTIC BUDGET?

It is easy to get complacent with your finances as a student especially because you do not have to pay for mortgages, for childcare, and for other “adult” responsibilities. However, it is easy to lose track of your cash flow if you are to lax about your money. Remember that your income is limited and infrequent so you have to save the most of it.

Start by creating an easy yet realistic budget with the envelope system. With this system, tracking your spending and analyzing which category to cut down does not take too much of your time.

3. WHAT IF I WAS SHORT OF CASH?

Say unexpected events happen and you run short of cash, will your parents help you out or not? If so, will the money be given as a gift or as a loan? Is it possible to get a part-time job instead?

During my first year in Uni, I did not expect the influx of social expenses such as club registration fee and school dinners. I had to save up some of my allowance and pack some lunch in order to settle this unforeseen expenses. Aside from this, you can gravitate toward part-time jobs. Your part-time job can either add to your school allowance or buffer emergency fees. Know how to hunt for a job through this simple guide.

4. WHERE DO YOU LOOK FOR FINANCIAL GUIDANCE?

Every student has a different financial circumstance influenced by how much or how little the parental involvement is. I was very fortunate that my parents supported me all throughout my years as a student. I did not even have my own bank account then! Thus I can say that my parents were the ones who guided me financially as a student.

In contrast with my situation, I had two friends who were basically financially independent during their Poly and Uni years. One was a scholar while the other was in army. They monitor their own bank accounts, control their own budgets, and dictate their own spending. For financial guidance, they still seek their parents’ advice at times but mostly do everything on their own.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If that is not enough for you, you can always consider getting useful guidance from qualified financial professionals.

Sources: 1, 2, 3,& 4

 

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Student’s Guide To Part-Time Job Hunting In Singapore

In Singapore, it is ordinary for students to gravitate toward part-time jobs. These part-time jobs either add a boost to their travel fund or to their school allowance. Whatever the reason may be, job hunting in the modern age has definitely changed!

That said, here are some places you have to browse when job hunting:

1. NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS

Go back to the tried and tested strategy of grabbing the latest newspaper publication right from your doorstep. In particular, the leading English newspaper in Singapore called The Straits Times has its weekend supplement containing a section for “Classified Jobs”.

2. ONLINE CLASSIFIEDS

If you cannot find the job you want on the newspaper ads, try looking for some opportunities at the online classifieds namely: Gumtree and Craigslist Singapore. Renowned as Singapore’s Number 1 Free Classifieds Site, Gumtree Singapore is well-known for providing good classified services with one of the largest visibility. Check out the “Jobs” category or type the keywords of your desired job. With its user-friendly functionalities that is both available online and on the mobile app, you can search for a job at your own convenience.

An even more simplistic website is one of the oldest classifieds portals in the world called Craigslist. Established in 1996, Craigslist provides services for more than 70 countries including sunny Singapore. Posting job ads and browsing through them is totally free!

Friendly Reminder: Please be careful as some of the ads posted are merely scams or spams.

3. NETWORK REFERRAL

Everybody is bound to know somebody. Within your existing network, there are probably a handful of part-time jobs that are perfectly in lined to your capacity. Do not hesitate to ask your classmates and friends if they can recommend a job for you.

And here are the common part-time jobs suitable for students:

1. F&B STAFF

Becoming an F&B Staff requires a whole lot of energy and patience. Despite the average salary, it can be a rewarding experience that will help you learn the skills you need further down the road. No to mention, there is a possibility of taking home free food.

Average Rates: S$6-10/hour

2. RECEPTIONIST

Clinics, spas, and fitness centers are often on a lookout for part-time receptionists whose main job is to book appointments, answer phone calls, and sell products. Being computer and social media literate is a must if you are planning to apply for this job. Luckily, almost every millennial fits the bill!

Average Rates: S$6.5-10/hour

3. FLYERS DISTRIBUTOR

One of the most tiring yet technically simple part-time jobs available is the “flyers distributor”. Just imagine yourself distributing some papers while standing in a spot for hours and braving Singapore’s heat.

Average Rates: S$5-6/hour

 

Image Credits: MuseScore (CC License Attribution 2.0 Generic)

Image Credits: MuseScore (CC License Attribution 2.0 Generic)

Sources: 1 & 2

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Extremely Affordable Tips To Improve Your Study Space

Let these budget-friendly tips enhance your learning area as you “hit the books”…

1. CREATE YOUR STUDY HAVEN

Choosing the right place to study is important because it heavily influences your learning process. Use your study space solely for studying, making projects, and doing home works so that your brain can associate the space to automatic “work mode”.

After which, pick a light-colored table that has enough space for all your school supplies. Situate this table at a silent place to keep your brain focused. Go for a fundamental and a classic desk such as the “Peppler Study Table Beech” by FortyTwo. This table is on sale now and retails for only S$39 (Save S$60)!

2. REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS

Electrical appliances and electronic devices help you procrastinate. Ironically, most of these appliances and devices were made to save time but, end up wasting valuable study time instead. Thus, keep your head on the books by turning off your devices or using Website blocking applications.

For instance, block certain websites (e.g., Gmail, Facebook, or Twitter) for a specific amount of time by using free applications such as SelfControl (for Apple users) and SelfRestraint (for Microsoft users).

3. REMOVE THE CLUTTER

Excess litter and scattered rubbish can make you feel overwhelmed and distracted. Tidy up your study space and keep it neat by organizing important documents and old school papers inside drawers or labeled boxes. Also, organize your school files with descriptive folders in your laptop or computer.

4. KEEP IT BRIGHT

A well-lit room increases concentration and productivity. Position your table in front of the window because natural or fluorescent light is helpful for the eyes while you study. As it gets dim, keep your place bright by using a table lamp or a wall spotlight.

You can get the IKEA KVART Wall Spotlight for S$9.90 or the IKEA LAMPAN Table Lamp for S$4.90.

5. REMIND YOURSELF

Decorate your study space with a cork board, calendar, and a clock. Constantly remind yourself about the upcoming events and assignment/project deadlines by using the calendar. Then, visualize your goals and to-do lists with a wall mounted cork board. Lastly, organize your time by buying a clock that does not produce any unnecessary ticking sounds.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

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