Transition to In-Person Learning Takes Toll on Students
Online learning has mentally affected high schoolers in ways that have been hard to miss. Students are experiencing lack of interest and for some, a constant feeling of no motivation.
A student struggling with homework workload because covid has been hard.
Nov 15, 2021
Online learning has mentally affected high schoolers in ways that have been hard to miss. Students are experiencing lack of interest and for some, a constant feeling of no motivation.
“The transition into in-person school was a little difficult for me,” senior Alyssa Rutherford said. “I found it harder to stay engaged in classes.”
This, in many cases, is mainly due to the online semester GEHS had last year. Last year, if students turned in work or even simply showed up, they were given credit for it. This year, the expectations for students to be attentive in class returned.
“I’ve definitely had to work harder, especially after hybrid,” senior Carson Schrack said.
“This year the accountability factor is back on where it should be, and some kids are failing to rise up and meet that because last year just stunk for everybody,” psychology teacher Ryan Plankenhorn said.
For some though, the transition to in person school was relieving and made school easier to go to.
“Now that we’re back in person, I’ve been able to be with my teachers and be with my friends and it’s helped a lot being back in person this school year,” senior Lindsay Cochran said.
Humans are social creatures, so being able to be around their friends makes school much more tolerable, but it’s still not enough for kids to be motivated to do work outside of school. Especially this year, the workload has been different than it was last year.
“What makes me unmotivated is how content heavy my classes are this year,” Rutherford said. “It’s been a lot to juggle and for sure my most challenging academic year.”
“What makes me unmotivated is wanting to do other things besides school constantly, wanting to go hang out with my friends and wanting to do things besides homework and study,” Cochran said.
The worst thing for students is the homework and workload, according to junior Kaira Mannio.
“Teachers who aren’t good teachers unmotivate me, teachers who assign a lot of homework and just give busy work,” Mannio said. “There are just classes that you don’t look forward to. I think teachers should be more considerate about our grade and that we have a life outside of school and feelings.”
Staying motivated is crucial to success, and when the lack-of-interest feelings take over, it’s hard to become motivated. Lots of Gardner students shared what they do to stay motivated.
Tips to stay motivated and do homework, according to GEHS students:
- Turn on some music and don’t get up until the homework is all done – Gabi Blazic
- Try to get it done the day you get it so you don’t have a ton of assignments to do in one night – Ava Whichart
- Do not do homework in your bed – Emerson Cortner
- Get a lot of sleep – Chase Walker
- Keep your assignments in a planner to keep track of when they’re all due (it’s also fun to cross the assignments off the planner when they’re done.) – Lindsay Cochran
- Have a routine – Carson Schrack
- Do homework during the day if you can, leave the nighttime to do what you want – Elise Hmielewski
- If you feel extremely unmotivated, grab your favorite drink and take a shower to refresh – Rylee Sherwood
- Reward yourself when finishing assignments – Hannah Phipps
- Work in increments and give yourself breaks in between – Lillian Campbell
- Focus on what’s ahead and think about your sports – Eithan Kodger
- Throw your phone against the wall – Aaliyah Moss (We do not permit the breaking of any devices)
- Meditation – Leo Rosado-Ramirez
- The reminder app called “Done” – Rihanna Vazquez
- Facetime/video call a friend while both doing homework – Rylee Sherwood
- Do homework with shoes on – Brennan Cook
- Realizing if you give up, you’re jeopardizing your future – Jaiden Sauber