During the COVID-19 Pandemic, working and learning from home became a normality across the world. To help stop the spread of the virus, students and workers started working remotely within the safety of their houses.
Since then, numerous workplaces and education institutions have continued to offer the option to work from home. Working from home can be extremely beneficial for some individuals but in saying that, face to face learning can be beneficial for others.
All individuals learn differently and work more productively in different environments. In the last few years since the pandemic started, millions of articles have been released highlighting the benefits of individuals working and studying from home. Now whilst there are many benefits, now that life is going back to normal, many are asking whether they want to remain at home. If you are questioning what option is best for you, here are six benefits of face-to-face learning that can help you make your decision.
1. Encourages and helps with Social Skills
Humans are social creatures and for a very good reason. Socialising makes us feel a sense of belonging and security which increases our overall mental wellbeing. Face-to-Face learning gives individuals the opportunity to enter a classroom with other students and have that social interaction. Studying from home for some people means sitting in a house on their own which can be detrimental for their mental health.
2. Real-time Interaction
The whole point of studying is to learn things that you don’t already know. So, it’s only human that you are going to have questions and will require help with various elements of your study. Face-to-face learning will ensure that you can receive help at the exact moment you need it. Whilst online learning still involves help through video lessons and email, face-to-face learning means you get the help and explanation at the exact moment you need it.
3. Lack of Distraction
Whilst some individuals feel like they are more productive working from home, many find the familiarly for their home a massive distraction. For example, individuals may feel like they want to get household chores done whilst they are home or perhaps the idea of Netflix and a nap is too much of a temptation to turn down. Avoiding that temptation is easy by going into a physical classroom.
4. Promotes Collaborative Learning
Face-to-face learning teaches students how to work in a team environment and prepares them for when they enter the workplace with other staff members. With classroom learning, students don’t only learn from the theory the teacher is presenting. They learn from other students’ questions and past experiences.
5. Encourages critical thinking
Being in a classroom with other students encourages individuals to engage in live discussions and relevant debates. This type of learning environment gives students other people to bounce ideas off and allows them to question others to ensure their understanding of the concept is correct. Having your ideas challenged helps encourage critical thinking, rather than just reading theory from a laptop.
6. Teaches accountability and Responsibility
With Face-to-face learning, you don’t have the option to say, “I’ll just watch the class and do the work later”. You have a set time to be at class and it’s your responsibility to manage your time correctly to be at that class. Having to physically go into class holds you accountable and teaches students about responsibility. These skills will be essential when entering the workplace.
Working and studying from home has helped thousands of people to access resources that they couldn’t before. Especially individuals living in remote areas. If you are lucky enough to have the choice whether you study online or in-class, we hope this blog helps you decide which option will be best for you. If you still aren’t sure which route to take, contact MyPath here and they can discuss their online and in-class options to help you find the perfect path.