4 Surefire Ways To Create Better Study Habits At Home

Ministry of Education announced that lower primary and lower secondary students will continue with home-based learning (HBL) after June holidays. These arrangements were made to “ease into full resumption of school” when Term 3 starts on June 28.

Studying from home can be challenging! All of us have study habits that we would like to break and others that we would like to develop. People often blame these unpleasant habits to laziness or unhealthy personality. However, Behaviorism dictates that we can learn and unlearn these habits.

Effectively reinforcing a positive behavior and not rewarding a negative one can help change various areas in one’s life. With this principle in mind, here are 4 things that you can do create better study habits at home.

#1: SET YOUR STUDY GOALS

It is not enough to say that you want to study more! You must set quantifiable and realistic goals to meet your objectives for the day. Setting your study goals includes two things – identifying your goals and knowing which resources you will need.

For instance, you want to study for 3 hours daily (i.e., quantifiable and realistic). You successfully meet this study goal by utilizing a conducive study space and by having school supplies on-hand.

#2: TAKE ACTION

After clearly setting your goals, you must bravely take your first attempt. If it is too much to drastically start with 3 hours of study time per day, you can start with at least 45 minutes daily. Gradually increase your study time as the weeks pass by.

Having a physical boundary between your study area and your relaxation area could be very helpful. This can also help you to contain your academic stress within the study space. Furthermore, you can stay focused when studying from home by following a routine. Establishing a routine will provide more structure to your life and more cues to your brain.

#3: MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS

Monitoring your progress includes tracking your milestones and altering your goals based on your evaluation of the current situation. To illustrate this, you can have a study log to record your study time and daily assignments.

You can also analyze the factors that hinder you from studying, such as distractions from external noises or social media. Then, add another goal that is fit to counteract these distractions such turning your handphone off for 3 hours. Use this time to take down notes during your online classes.

#4: REWARD YOURSELF

Positive reinforcement such as entertaining or monetary compensation can increase the repetition of the desired behavior. Therefore, different companies use positive reinforcement to attract you into purchasing more of their products.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

You must figure out a well-deserved reward for successfully studying during the allotted amount of time. You can indulge in your favorite dessert, have a relaxing bath, or call your friends via Zoom. For optimum results, keep the reward scheme consistent each time you reach a study goal.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Countries That Offer Unbelievably Free University Education For All

As the cost of higher education catapult over the years, undergraduates around the world have one thing in common – they are susceptible to an enormous pile of debt. The Tuition Fee Loan Schemes and total student debt vary globally.

For instance, in Japan, about US$5 billion in student debts were past due last 2011. In America, the college students’ debts summed to over US$1.2 trillion in 2013. Looking no further, in Singapore, one-third of the local students who graduated last 2005-2007 had an average debt of S$20,000 per student.

With these overwhelming numbers, it is surprising to know that some countries are offering free or low-cost tertiary education – in English! If you are willing to leave the Lion City for your studies, here is a concise list of those countries:

1. FINLAND

Regardless of your nationality and level of studies (i.e., diploma, degree, or Masters), tuition fee is free in Finland. But, you are expected to cover your personal living expenses that cost about 500 Euros or S$746 per month.

Image Credits: Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: Miguel Virkkunen Carvalho via Flickr with Creative Commons License

2. GERMANY

9 months ago, Germany has implemented a rule that enables all students to enjoy no-cost fees for undergraduate studies. Yes! International students are included. Currently, 900 programs are available in English to attract foreign students, as they are experiencing shortage in skilled workers. Like Finland, living expenses in Germany cost about 500 Euros or S$746 per month.

Image Credits: Moyan Brenn via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: Moyan Brenn via Flickr with Creative Commons License

3. NORWAY

Norwegian students and foreigners studying in the country can go to undergraduate studies, Masters programs, and Ph.D. programs at no cost! Be informed, however, of the harsh weather conditions and the high cost of living. A single student’s living expenses will equate to about NOK 7,500 or S$1,261 per month.

Image Credits: Edward Dalmulder via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: Edward Dalmulder via Flickr with Creative Commons License

With all these information at your reach, you have to understand that debts are not only rooted from school fees but also from living expenses. In fact, U.K. students have borrowed about US$10,200 per student to cover tuition fee and living expenses in 2011-2012. So, before you pack your bags, calculate whether the total cost of your education and living expenses are less here or there.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6

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