After seven months of closure, the Government has given the green light for schools to reopen with a condition to maintain Covid-19 preventive measures. Academic activities were halted on March 14 after the first recorded case of Covid-19 in Rwanda, and since then all learning institutions closed with some resorting to e-learning methods. Even though students were engaged in studies on various platforms, the period they spent out of the classroom has had an adverse effect on their morale for studies. Picking up from where they stopped with regular classroom interaction will require effort for some students. Below are some of the ways students can regain their motivation for learning; Push yourself to start Divine Mutangana, an international relations student at Mount Kenya University, says this challenge has no better solution than a student pushing themselves to start. She says that just like with most things, the challenging part is starting which she says is always an issue in the first days or beginning of the school term. “Many people tend to wait for the right moment (when they feel inspired and/or motivated) to study, but the reality is they may never feel inspired to do the work that needs to be done,” she notes. Mutangana is of the view that when one decides to start doing something regardless of how small the steps they are taking are, it doesn’t take long before they are on the right track and deeply immersed in what they chose to do. “The most successful people don’t wait around until they are in the right mood. They just get started and after a while they realise they have done a great job which encourages them to take more action,” she adds. Stay positive Most students tend to be discouraged by the negative consequences of their procrastination, this in turn discourages them even more. “Punishments, getting beaten in class, poor performance are some of the consequences that a student thinks of when they lack motivation for class,” according to Tharcisse Maniragaba, a Physics professor at Byimana School of Sciences. He however says they should use this as something to motivate them to start studying seriously. This is natural for all people, it’s not only students who lack motivation. We all tend to work more when we think of the negative effects that something can have on our performances,” he adds. Keep the end goal in mind If you are really struggling with a project, it can help to imagine the end result and how you will feel once you have achieved your goals. Athletes use this strategy frequently to help them stay focused on their goals and to keep motivated. Murayi Marcellin Ishimwe, a medical student at the University of Rwanda, Huye campus, exemplifies that, saying “Some students consider putting a picture or a mark of their future or goals on their desk. This can be a great way to keep yourself motivated when dealing with obstacles and setbacks.” He adds that, whenever one keeps reminding themselves of their future goals, it keeps them motivated. So it is better for a student to remind themselves of that, it prevents them from getting demotivated. Remind yourself of the importance of education Mutangana is of the view that students shouldn’t focus so much on the challenges they face at school but rather have their minds positioned on why they are at school in the first place. “Even though studies can be tough, I believe that it has been the pathway of all the great people we have, hence students have to consider that too. All these people who have changed the world and inspirational leaders have passed through this. Students should hence keep in mind that this is the way through which they have to go through.” Maintain a suitable environment Distractions like phone or laptop notifications and bad studying locations can also ruin the mood of a student. “Finding where you study best is an essential part of any successful studying session. For some, they would prefer a quiet place while others don’t mind a noisy place. Choosing what is suitable for you as an individual is relevant,” says Maniragaba.
