Improving Focus in Online Learning During the Holy Month of Ramadan

When the month of Ramadan arrives, students' declining concentration in learning is always a complaint. Students who initially looked enthusiastic about learning begin to lose that enthusiasm in class during the fasting month. Especially because learning is conducted online, students' level of concentration tends to decline. Students look sleepy, unfocused, with drooping faces, and unenergetic. This is caused by a mix of hunger, thirst and sleepiness.

Fasting is not only an act of worship that earns reward for those who perform it, but also has much greater benefits  for the body, including brain development. During fasting there is a change in eating pattern, from three times a day to two times a day (at sahur and at breaking the fast). This causes students' concentration in learning to decline and ultimately their motivation when taking part in classroom learning to become low. It should be known that fasting (delaying calorie intake) is very good for brain development. Many studies reveal that when fasting, brain cells regenerate and form new structures. This research was once conducted by Hamed Ai Sinawi (2008), Harvard University. The result was that during fasting there is a restriction and regulation of calorie intake that can raise brain performance.

These research results are also supported by research by Mark Mattson (2014), which explains that fasting can accelerate the growth of new neurons in the brain. Neurons function as the structural and functional units of the nervous system. Neurons have the ability of conductivity (conducting), excitability (being stimulated), and responsiveness.

Then the question arises: why does concentration in learning decline when fasting? Is the decline in concentration caused by insufficient calorie intake?

If understood more deeply, basically the reduction and restriction of calorie consumption during fasting actually helps raise the brain's focus and  productivity. When fasting, opioid hormones are used more effectively. Therefore the brain can work well and strengthen a person's ability to remember.

Things students need to pay attention to when fasting include meeting nutritional needs at sahur and when breaking the fast, getting enough rest, and not staying up late at night. This is because the body needs rest so that its metabolism runs optimally and students will not feel listless and weak during classroom learning.

According to Mei Fitria (2016), the cause of disturbed concentration in class is not fasting, but sleepiness caused by a drop in the sugar level reaching the brain, so that brain performance is eroded, and by a lack of iron intake at sahur.

Based on the study by Mei Fitria (2016), there are several things to pay attention to in order to keep learning concentration stable while fasting.

First, meet adequate nutrition at sahur by providing sufficient carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, iron and minerals. Sufficient iron intake will help the body absorb the oxygen carried to the brain and works to prevent drowsiness and maintain concentration during learning.

Second, get enough rest of 7-8 hours per day. The aim is to renew damaged cells and reorganise the memories or information that have been received.

Third, conserve energy or keep energy expenditure effective, avoid futile activities and do only the activities that are needed.

Fourth, create a classroom environment that is conducive, active, enjoyable and productive for students. The aim is for students to be more focused and to take part in the learning process in class with high enthusiasm and learning motivation.

Newspaper: Belitung Pos

Link:

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