Learning in hybrid and online classes
Your Augustana faculty are using flexible and engaging teaching practices to foster deep learning in ways that may look and feel a bit different to you. Check out some tips on what you can do to succeed in hybrid and online classes this fall.
Tips for thriving in your hybrid or online courses
Create a schedule and stick to it
Create a schedule for yourself that includes not just when you’ll be attending class but also when you’ll be studying for specific courses. Structure and routine is good for us and good for learning. Be sure to build breaks into that schedule to get up and move if you are able.
Study smartly
Studying is hard work, but there are specific strategies you can use to study smartly and efficiently. Learn about what works and what doesn’t work when studying from cognitive psychologist Dr. Stephen Chew in this series of short videos. Dr. Chew also talks about how to learn in pandemic times in this brief video. You can also receive coaching on using effective learning strategies from the Learning Commons.
Minimize distractions and avoid multitasking
To the degree that you are able, create a study environment that minimizes distractions. Tuck away phones and other distractions while you are studying - multitasking makes learning harder.
Communicate with your faculty
Your faculty care deeply about your success. Be sure to stay in communication with them, attend their virtual office hours, and reach out when you need help.
Read your email
It is essential that you read your email and respond to messages from your faculty members. We know you get a lot of email, and the college is working to minimize the number of campus-wide emails you get this semester so it is easier for you to stay on top of your inbox.
Stay connected with others
Whether you are learning on-campus or remotely, it is essential that you stay connected with others while practicing physical distancing. Set up virtual study groups, reach out and check in with your classmates, and invest in getting to know your peers.
Practice a growth mindset
Students with a fixed mindset believe intelligence is something we are born with whereas individuals with a growth mindset believe that we can increase our intelligence with effort. Not surprisingly, there is a strong relationship between these mindsets, our efforts, and our performance.
Learn about how you can cultivate a growth mindset in this brief video. When you face challenges this term, think of them as opportunities to learn using the good strategies talked about on this page. And don't forget to reach out for help as you are doing the hard work of learning and growing this semester.
Take care of your mental health
Your health and well-being are important, and they have a strong connection to your academic success. There are a ton of resources available to you through the Augustana Student Counseling Service website, including free counseling, a self-screening tool, and great self-help resources. Here are a couple of quick tips to support your well-being:
- Connect - We can’t say it enough - it is critical that you stay connected with your support network while practicing physical distancing. Reach out, make time for relationships, and look out for one another.
- Take restorative breaks - Effective breaks involve reduced levels of stimulation, so for most of us, scrolling on devices is not restorative. Instead, take breaks that get you outside, moving if you are able, and breathing consciously.
- Practice gratitude - Gratitude has a strong contribution to our well-being. Be intentional about cultivating gratitude using these resources or through some of the ideas shared by Dr. Robert Emmons here.
- Practice mindfulness - Mindfulness is about being present in the here and now, and it is really good for us. There are many ways you can learn about and practice mindfulness in your daily life. Check out some resources and guided meditations. You can also find lots of free mindfulness apps on your smartphone.
Reach out
We are here to help you! Find information on how to connect with campus resources and use Starfish to ask for help.