NEET exam is conducted annually to admit students take their first step towards a career in medicine. The exam is open for all who are appearing or have passed Class XII or an equivalent course, with the subjects Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Clearing the NEET exam opens doors to the most reputed medical colleges in the country. That is why students leave no stone unturned in preparing for it.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the world online. Students across the globe signed up for distance learning programs (DLP). and took online coaching classes to prepare for the exams. DLP is now popular among students preparing for competitive exams like JEE or NEET. However, some are still unsure about how to go about it. If you’re also dealing with this uncertainty, don’t worry! We bring you a list of pros and cons and tips on DLP that’ll help you choose the best plan for your preparations. Here are all the details about this program that can help you crack the NEET exam.
Benefits of a Distance Learning Program
Saves money and time
While enrolling in a distance learning program, many resources are put to use like transportation and extra hours. Students sometimes need to travel for hours or even stay away from home in order to be able to attend the coaching classes. With online programs, they save out on the time and energy otherwise spent on traveling and studying for hours without a break. This energy and time can be spent on preparing better and spending some leisure or family time at home.
Your preferred medium and language
Sometimes in the fast pace teaching of the coaching centers, students miss out on the essence of the information and are lost. They might also not be very comfortable with the language used by the teachers, course material, or their peers. This is a huge barrier to learning.
With recorded video, audio and textual lessons, students can learn at their own pace and take a pause wherever they prefer to dig deeper into a topic. They also have the liberty to choose their preferred language without obstructing others’ learning.
Study at your own pace
With readily available course material and relevant information, students can choose to study at their preferred time and pace. They can choose the times of the day they arere the most focused on and schedule their study sessions during those periods. This also allows for some leisure time to keep them motivated and energized.
Doubt-solving without getting embarrassed
Many students are hesitant to ask their doubts in front of others. They are worried about what their peers might think of them or might make fun of them for asking somewhat less intelligent questions. In distance study programs, they can take a pause at the place they are stuck in and refer to their course books or online material to look for answers and clear their doubts.
Disadvantages of a distance learning program
Restricts peer learning
Amidst others of their own age and caliber, students gain a wide spectrum of knowledge that becomes limited when they study on their own at home. The discussions with peers and group studying bring in many other aspects of learning that studying alone might not.
No competition leads to low motivation
When regular tests are given at the coaching centers, students are more motivated to study better and score better due to peer pressure. While taking tests alone, there’s little motivation for them to perform better. To overcome this declining motivation, students should aspire to be better versions of themselves every day and outperform themselves. With no peers around, their only competition could be their own self, which will keep them motivated to do better every day.
Social isolation
Being alone at home throughout the day can impact our mental well-being. The lack of social interaction deeply impacts our mental health. While in the coaching environment, there are others around to converse, discuss doubts with, and casually speak to, which is missing in the DLP. To overcome this, students can form virtual study groups and keep in touch with their peers over online media.
Restricted studying
When there is no real-time interaction while studying, learning is restricted. No new conversations spark and only the information within the textbook pages are retained. This leads to a lack of practical and out-of-the-textbook knowledge that is not necessary to appear for exams like NEET.
Distance Learning Tips for NEET
Having talked about the pros and cons of distance study programs, here are a few tips to keep in mind to make the best of your preparation time at home.
Make a timetable and stick to it
Each step in this point is more important than the other. Making a timetable is important to make your day productive and active. This timetable helps you devote significant time to NEET preparation without taking over your leisure time. Although sticking to this timetable is as difficult as it is important, once you make it into a habit, it becomes easier, and you can make the most of your day.
Separate your study area
Your comfort zone and your study area should never be the same. For instance, you should not study on your bed (no matter how tempting it may be) and should not rest in the area devoted to studying. Ideally, get a table and chair set up in an area far from the things and people that distract you. Use that area only for studying. This will train your brain, and you will instantly be in study mode as soon as you enter this area of the house.
Practicing mock tests
Mock tests and previous years’ question papers give you relevant insights into the exam pattern and familiarize you with it. This information helps you prepare for the exam accordingly and make the best of your preparation by getting good marks.
Collect relevant material
While distance learning program, students may not have access to the most relevant course books and material. In this case, refer to the NCERTs first. The NCERT Physics, Chemistry, and Biology books of Classes XI and XII play an integral role in preparing you for the NEET exam. You can learn the basic concepts, theories, and formulae from these books that will build a strong foundation for further preparation.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Studying from home does not mean studying all through the day and night. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is just as much a part of NEET preparation as anything else. This healthy lifestyle helps you be your best self, both physically and mentally, focus on and do well on the exam.
Final Thoughts
After considering all the factors associated with distance learning programs for the NEET exam, you can start planning your days for the preparation of the exam. When opting for such courses, it is vital to analyze one’s capacity as well. Be true to yourself and select the program that most suits your pace.
