7 Strategies for Succeeding in Online High School
Written By: Megan Bowen
February 2023
Online high school offers traditional and non-traditional students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and has never been more accessible. You may be considering online high school and worried that you don’t have what it takes. Whether it be motivation, technology, or something else holding you back from taking the plunge and enrolling, there are seven surefire strategies that everyone can use to be successful as an online high school student, regardless of your specific circumstances.
Create a Learning Environment Conductive to Your Needs
Do you prefer quiet or like to have soft music playing? Do you like to sit at a desk, kitchen table, or maybe on a couch? Set yourself up for success by creating a learning environment that is comfortable but also practical, a spot where you have access to all the items you will need for your studies, and somewhere that you can focus on your schoolwork without excessive noise or interruption. Finally, make it a place where you feel excited about embarking on your academic journey. Is there a quote that speaks to you or a photo of someone who is supporting you? Little visual cues such as these can help keep you motivated!
Examine Your Learning Style and Preferences
Learning styles are theories about preferences for how an individual learns best. You can use this information to create study habits and approaches that work well for you! One of the most common learning style models is called the VARK model. VARK stands for Visual (learning by sight), Auditory (learning by hearing), Read/Write (learning by reading and/or writing), and Kinesthetic (learning by touch). Each of these styles has specific activities that you may prefer to use in your own learning. You most likely utilize one or more of these learning styles. Examining your own learning style preferences can help you create study habits and tools to help you be successful.
Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health
One of the most important factors to consider in online schooling is your overall health! Ensuring that you get adequate sleep, proper nutrition, exercise, and take breaks from your devices are all essential to being a happy and healthy online student.
Create a Schedule That Fits Your Lifestyle
Many students choose online learning because of their lifestyle. Online students may work, have a family, or a hobby or activity that they like to spend time on. One of the biggest ways to set yourself up for success is to create your online schooling schedule around your life. This may mean scheduling multiple increments of time to work on online learning throughout the day when you have breaks from something else, it may mean studying on evenings or weekends, or it may just mean setting a timer for a certain amount of time to devote to your schoolwork each day. The best schedule is the one that fits your unique lifestyle!
Don't Do It Alone
While you aren’t sitting in a traditional classroom with your peers and a classroom instructor, you are not alone! There is a large online community of learners out there, and you are a part of it. Seek out opportunities to connect with your instructors as well as your peers when you can. Join a chat board or online community network and find others like you. It’s equally as important to share your educational goals with friends and family who will support you in your journey!
Communication is Key
When you were in elementary school, you probably learned the best way to ask a question or participate in a class discussion was to “raise your hand”. The same holds true for the online high school student. Communication is so important! Whether you have a question or just have something to share, reaching out to your instructor or sharing something with a fellow student is a valuable part of the learning experience. Don’t be afraid to virtually “raise your hand”. Be an active participant in your learning!
Practice Persistence
Persistence is the key to success. What is persistence? Continuing to practice something even if it is difficult. Just like learning any skill, for example, riding a bike, you won’t master online learning in one try. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Offer yourself patience and grace as you get the hang of it. Most importantly, KEEP GOING. A positive mental attitude, discipline, and a vision for success are all helpful in practicing persistence, regardless of any obstacles you may face! This practice will allow you to learn from mistakes and give you the confidence to overcome future challenges. Persistence leads to resilience!
