Interest in learning may be lost if you feel burdened by a lot of homework, don't like certain subjects, or lessons in class feel boring. Instead of thinking of education as a chore that you have to do, try to make the first and most important year of your studies an enjoyable start. In order to maintain an interest in learning and achieve success, start by improving your attitude and forming good habits.
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Part 1 of 2: Forming a Good Attitude
Step 1. Determine the subjects you like
Even if you have little interest in studying certain subjects, there may be some that you enjoy. To make learning more fun, start by determining the subjects you like the most. Finding subjects that generate interest or so-called intrinsic motivation (for example by exploring the subject you are interested in) will increase learning success.
Ask yourself what subjects are you most interested in so that you want to do well, don't mind studying them, etc. These things are indications that you really like the lesson
Step 2. Change your view of less interesting subjects
You can still like less interesting subjects by changing your perspective, that is, by understanding the benefits and why you need to study them. This method will form extrinsic motivation.
- Use learning activities as stepping stones. For example, if you want to continue your education to college, of course you must graduate from high school with good grades. This will motivate you to learn more.
- Use your interests to improve your perspective. For example, if you aspire to be an engineer, but don't like studying math, remember that mastering math is the first step to getting the job you dream of.
Step 3. Find the connection between studying and your everyday life
Sometimes, you lose interest in studying when certain subjects don't seem necessary or have nothing to do with life outside of school. To overcome boredom and boredom while studying, know that studying certain subjects can make everyday life more enjoyable and more interesting, for example:
- Understanding basic chemistry knowledge can make you more adept at cooking.
- Studying English helps you understand figurative, rhetorical, and persuasive language styles. With this information, you can create good advertisements using catchy slogans and sentences.
- History lessons provide historical information on which to write books, broadcast television shows, make films, etc. (and know if there is a mistake). For example, the film "Love Letter to Kartini" tells the life of R. A. Kartini, who fought for the emancipation of Indonesian women, while one of the TV drama characters with the background of the 18th century Diponegoro war was caught on camera drinking mineral water produced by the factory.
- Mathematics can be used in everyday life, for example to calculate taxes, determine the amount of paint needed to paint the walls of your house, and calculate the amount of interest owed on a car loan.
Step 4. Know your views on learning
If you believe that a particular subject is uninteresting or useless or if you don't enjoy studying, try to find out if you have any self-restricting beliefs. To build motivation to learn, try to identify and eliminate these negative beliefs. For example:
- If you are not interested in studying a particular subject, English for example, ask yourself if anyone has ever told you that you are not a talented writer. If so, don't let negative thoughts hold you back. Meet your current English teacher and ask for advice so you can improve your skills.
- Remember that maintaining motivation to learn is not the responsibility of the teacher alone. Even if your teacher is less able to teach, remember that you can still learn and determine what field you like.
- If you are not interested in studying a particular subject, ask a friend who likes that subject what interests him.
Step 5. Find out if you are under stress
Apart from lack of interest or academic problems, stress disorders can make a person lose interest in learning, for example because he is worried about his appearance, has problems socializing, experiences bullying, etc. If you're having this problem, talk to a parent, counselor, teacher, friend, or someone who can help. You'll be happier studying if you don't experience stress.
Step 6. Don't overcompete
Healthy competition will feel fun and increase motivation to learn. However, excessive competition only causes anxiety so that you have difficulty learning. Focus on improving yourself and achieving the goals you have set.
- Compete as long as it's fun and makes you enjoy learning, for example, taking part in a scientific paper competition or quizzes.
- You don't have to be the best at everything. Set realistic goals for yourself and don't mind other people's business. For example, if you want to get a certain test score, study your best and don't worry about who will score higher.
Step 7. Write down the things you like and don't like
By taking notes, you can determine why you like or don't like studying. Take a sheet of paper and draw a vertical line in the middle. On one side, write the title “Things I Don't Like” and on the other, write “Things I Like”.
- Fill in the "Things I Don't Like" column while studying at school as detailed as possible. Instead of saying, “Learning makes me mad and looks stupid,” write “I get embarrassed when the teacher asks me questions and I don't know the answer.”
- Fill in the “Things I Like” column. Filling in these fields may be more challenging, but try to find what you can write here. There are various reasons that make you happy to go to school, even if it's just because you can hang out with friends while resting.
- Read your notes again. What can you do to overcome the things you don't like? For example, if you're afraid you won't be able to answer when the teacher asks, prepare questions before class and ask them before your teacher asks questions. That way, there's something you can say so you don't feel pressured.
- What do you need to do to improve the things you love? For example, if you are a computer enthusiast, spend more time studying the computer or doing computer tasks, instead of doing it manually.
Step 8. Tell your parents, family, and friends what happened to you at school
You are more likely to study if you have the support of people who care about you and wish you success in school. Talking about lessons and activities at school makes you always think positively. Parents, family, and friends are ready to be good listeners.
- If your parents or family ask about activities at school, they have no intention of bringing you down. Instead, they want to know what you did at school and would be happy if you told them.
- Also, don't be afraid to talk about problems or difficulties you face at school. The support group will be sympathetic and willing to help you.
Part 2 of 2: Forming Good Habits
Step 1. Make a schedule
You will face a depressing problem if you miss class or don't do your homework. On the other hand, you will be the best and enjoy studying more if you are able to make time to study and do your homework every day. In addition, you will feel satisfied because you have successfully completed the task!
- Write down the things you have to do related to learning activities, for example using an agenda. This method helps you to complete all tasks well. Crossing out a completed task makes you feel accomplished and stay motivated.
- Find a quiet, distraction-free place to do your work.
- Finish schoolwork first before spending time relaxing in front of the computer, watching TV, playing games, etc. At first, this may seem difficult, but once you get used to prioritizing your responsibilities, you'll eventually have more time to have fun.
- Don't forget to schedule breaks when you have a lot of work to do. For example, if you have to study for several hours, take a 5-10 minute break every hour to calm your mind, move around, have a snack, etc.
Step 2. Prioritize schoolwork
Focus on the most impactful activities first, namely the tasks that you find most important or most enjoyable. This method keeps you motivated and happier to learn, for example:
- If you are facing a final exam that has a large percentage in the final score calculation, study the exam material first before you correct essays for other subjects.
- If you'd rather memorize history lessons than do your math homework, start by reading a history book before doing your math homework. Or, do your math homework first if this is more important and use the fun of reading history as a motivator to complete math assignments.
Step 3. Define intermediate goals that are easier to achieve
Facing tough assignments or exams can sometimes feel burdensome so you can lose motivation and interest in studying. However, you will feel more capable of completing tasks and stay energized by setting intermediate goals.
For example, if you have to memorize 5 chapters for a biology exam, don't try to study them all at once. Instead, memorize 1 chapter each day leading up to the exam. This method makes you feel happy because you are making progress every day
Step 4. Find other ways to do schoolwork
If the way you've been studying seems boring, remember that you don't have to do any activity the same way because variety makes things more fun. For example:
- If you have to write a book review every month and you are currently writing an autobiographical review, start writing a novel review next month.
- Instead of writing an essay for history, ask the teacher if you can make a news recording of a radio show. Or, record a series of stories, instead of writing several essays.
- Instead of just reading Shakespeare in front of the class while taking English classes, set up a play with friends and then make a recording. After that, upload it to a social media site so others can enjoy it and leave comments.
- You can learn geometry by building miniatures of famous buildings or other objects.
Step 5. Study with friends
Being a member of a group to do joint activities is one source of motivation to complete school assignments, for example by asking each other questions, helping friends answer difficult questions, explaining certain topics, etc. However, if you want to study with your friends, make sure each member stays on task and doesn't get distracted.
Form study groups with members who are ready to commit to learning, do assignments diligently, and help one another. If you don't like studying alone, you will be more likely to learn and be motivated by studying in groups
Step 6. Ask for advice from others
If you're having trouble at school or want to know what you've learned so far, ask your teacher for feedback. See a teacher for help with a specific assignment or for general feedback. Teachers are usually happy to help make it easier for you to follow lessons and maintain an interest in learning.
Don't be afraid to tell the teacher if you have problems in class. For example, if your friend likes to chat and it's hard for you to concentrate, tell him about it. Your teacher will pay attention to your problem and try to help solve it so you can follow the lesson calmly
Step 7. Ask the teacher so you can participate more in learning activities and make plans
You will enjoy learning more and care more about study activities if you feel an interest in this. Your teacher may support a learning style that works for you and suggest a more enjoyable way of learning. Describe your usual learning style and things you enjoy, for example:
- Give a variety of tasks
- Explain lessons in a style that fosters enthusiasm
- Opportunity to choose what you want to do
- Get a good example to study
- Learning through games (e.g. answering questions on the Zenius website)
Step 8. Appreciate your efforts and success
Find ways to reward yourself for working hard, doing well in school, or achieving your goals. Giving yourself an occasional gift can keep you interested in learning, but don't use this method as your main source of motivation to keep doing well in school. For example:
- Play video games because you've finished your homework.
- Ask your parents if you can eat at your favorite restaurant after passing your exams or getting a good grade at the end of the semester.
- If you've finished your homework and you don't have any other important tasks waiting, take the weekend off by having fun, such as hanging out with friends, going for a walk, or watching your favorite TV show.
