Don't let distance education turn into a phobia

The coronavirus, which negatively affects life in many issues from daily life to work life and social interaction, has also directed universities to distance education. While hundreds of thousands of university students started the new semester before they set foot on the campus, Nilay Uğurlu Öztürk and Merve Minkari Tunçay, clinical psychologists of Izmir University of Economics (IUE), made suggestions to young people and families to prevent the transformation of distance education into phobia. Stating that young people should prepare themselves not only mentally but also physically, Öztürk and Tunçay said, “Prepare for class as if you were coming to campus. Taking off daily home wear and putting on your favorite clothes, straightening your hair or having a snack before class can increase your motivation. Families should also try to understand their children, communicate with them and share their feelings.”

Merve Minkari Tunçay and Nilay Uğurlu Öztürk, clinical psychologists of IUE Psychological Development and Counseling Center, pointed out that the coronavirus period can have different effects on each family and student. Stating that there may be changes in emotions during the process and people may sometimes feel introverted, Öztürk and Tunçay indicated that it is possible to get rid of this situation in a short time.

CREATE SPACES IN WHICH YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE AND GOOD

Calling on young people to prepare the environment, in which they will study, physically and technically, Nilay Uğurlu Öztürk said, “Try to create spaces where you feel comfortable and well. Prepare yourself just like going to campus and be on time for class. Taking time for yourself before class, having a snack, dressing as if you are going out can increase your motivation. You may have fluctuations in emotional state. Therefore, set routines and prioritize activities that will make you feel good. Although you cannot be together physically, create opportunities to socialize. Sometimes you may feel more introverted and sometimes extroverted. Be aware of yourself and feel free to communicate with your teachers, friends and family.”

MAKE THEM FEEL THAT YOU TRUST THEM, YOU BELIEVE IN THEM

Merve Minkari Tunçay, who stated that families have important responsibilities in this difficult period, said, “Good communication is very important in this period where individual, social and academic needs differ. Show your children respect, empathy and understanding. The mind of a university-age individual is busy with many issues related to his/her life, apart from education and future concerns. While this age group may share some of their issues with their families, they may choose to hide some issues or share them with their friends. Let your child create the appropriate space where they can be individualized. Tell them that you trust, believe and support them often. In this way, your child's interest in the lesson will increase even more. During the pandemic period, everyone is dealing with different levels of stress, tension, anger and grief. Try to solve them within the family, being always open to each other. If you think you have trouble coping, make sure to seek professional support.”