By Anika Basu, Staff Reporter

Due to the transition to virtual learning during the pandemic, students have developed a variety of study techniques to tackle and adapt to the new learning environment. Regardless of grade level, class difficulty and teacher, the following tips have proven helpful.

1. Watching review videos on Youtube

Watching Crash Course or other review videos online are  helpful to students  to recap and review  the material. Freshman Mackenzie Nagel watches YouTube videos to summarize information during free periods before a test. 

“It helps me to better see the bigger picture than get stuck in all the little details,” Nagel said.  

Using websites like Khan Academy for extensive explanations can provide a more thorough understanding of topics. 

2. Keeping a running assignment schedule to stay organized

Documenting assignments from various classes with the due dates helped multiple students stay organized. Although Schoology stores most of the due dates on  a calendar, having a mental schedule for when to complete each assignment allows for increased self-discipline. Sophomore Edison Zheng creates a block schedule for his tasks, allotting time slots for studying and completing assignments. 

“There’s a lack of in-person contact so it’s kind of harder to discuss and engage during class,” Zheng said. “It helps me further understand the material.”

3. Maintaining contact with teachers 

Due to all of the Wi-Fi issues, hesitation to turn on cameras and pauses for virtually raised hands to show up, teachers and students may struggle to build an academic bond. Attending office hours, emailing for quick clarifications and asking questions during class are all ways to stay engaged and keep communication strong.  

“I totally see utilizing teachers’ office hours as a way to reinforce what you’re learning and what you’re confused about,” Senior Sydney Singh said. 

4. Studying in groups 

When learning virtually, students may feel isolated from their peers. Group studying is an effective way to maintain social connections while being productive. Freshmen Elsa Burgo often studies with her friends through a group FaceTime or collaborative study guide. They review the material and quiz each other on it. 

“If you have people who are in your level classes and they get what you’re doing, I think it’s really nice,” Burgo said. 

5. Making detailed outlines and rewriting notes to help study for tests. 

Some students prefer typing their notes, while others prefer to hand write them. Sophomore Arun Iyer takes notes on Word documents, organizing them into folders. 

“I just feel it’s much easier to keep track of many notes online rather than keeping them in a book,” Iyer said. 

However, Senior Emily Meaney prefers to handwrite her notes. 

“I’ve always written my notes. I’ve 100% preferred it forever,” Meaney said. “More than ever, it’s one time we can choose to have a break from our screen.” 

These study techniques would be beneficial to try next time you find yourself unsure in the virtual environment!