With the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning came into the picture in the field of education for the present school year. With the physical closure of school communities, the said learning modality has replaced the traditional face-to-face classes from basic education to tertiary level. Such an unprecedented phenomenon brought abrupt changes and massive adjustments in the lives of many students.
Despite the existing challenges that come with distance learning, students still find ways to survive and beat the odds of the current time. In a very recent research of Rotas ad Cahapay (2021) entitled “From stress to success: Exploring how Filipino students cope with remote learning amid COVID-19 pandemic,” different coping strategies were shared by Filipino university students on how they are handling their day-to-day struggles. The following are the strategies are students used to cope with their daily lives.
Looking for good space and time is one coping strategy that surfaced in the said study. Part of this is finding a good spot for a more reliable internet connection. In case gadgets are not available, borrowing learning resources, such as computers and smartphones, from family members or friends becomes an option.
Seeking support from peers and approaching the teachers via online are also good ways of asking help and raising academic concerns and clarifications. These also help in maintaining a social connection in the absence of physical interaction between and among teachers and students.
Another coping mechanism is practicing time management. Following a particular timetable aids in accomplishing both academic and non-academic tasks. Creating an organized checklist of all the activities to be done also does the trick.
In addition, doing learning tasks ahead would mean having ample time to redo requirements if there are corrections and revisions given by the teacher. On the other hand, extending the time for learning tasks helps in gaining a better understanding of the lesson and beating deadlines.
All work and no play can be very enervating. Thus, diverting attention to other things breaks the monotony of study routine and may include spending family time, doing leisure activities, and taking breaks or rest periods.
Also, regulating oneself is another way of managing things. This can be done through self-motivation, regaining focus, and having a positive disposition in life.
Interestingly, crying becomes an outlet when the bulk of work seems to be unmanageable already. The important thing is how to bounce back and get things done after letting those tear ducts work. Likewise, praying offers comfort and hope and eventually eases out emotional burdens.
Some strategies may work for one while the others may not. What is important though is how one continues to look for ways and means of coping and surviving in order to keep life going in this time of the pandemic.
