Where to Study
The third step to studying effectively is knowing where you study best.
All students have a place that fosters productivity. A place where they are able to stay on task and maximize their time. Actually, some students find it ideal to study in a coffee shop or another place where there is background noise whilst others like being alone. Wherever you study it is important that it suits your needs and provides an area where you can engage deeply with the material at hand.
Choosing a place to study
An ideal study environment varies from person to person, but following these three simple steps will help you to create your perfect study environment:
1. LOCATION
To create your ideal study environment, start by choosing an appropriate location to work.
To create your ideal study environment, start by choosing an appropriate location to work.
If you are having trouble choosing between these locations, you may wish to compare them using the Study Environment Analysis from Virginia Tech. Once decided and tested on a location, pick an area within that seems comfortable to you. Do you work best at a desk, table, bed, or couch? However remember that comfortable places like beds are proven to be associated with sleeping rather than studying. A regular location that works for you is a vital step in creating your desirable study environment.
2. ATMOSPHERE
After you have chosen a location, choose an atmosphere that works best for you. Things to consider are:
After you have chosen a location, choose an atmosphere that works best for you. Things to consider are:
Lighting – harsh bright light is often unpleasant, while soft, ambient light can put you to sleep. Try to find a happy medium between the two to create the atmosphere that seems comfortable to you.
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Temperature- while it is hard to control the temperature, try to find a place with a fairly consistent temperature. Keep in mind that cold temperatures may feel harsh and distracting, but warm temperatures may make you lethargic.
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Noise- some students prefer complete quiet, while others like soft background music or ambient noise. Classical music and jazz work extremely well in these cases, and are easily accessible through internet radios such as Pandora.
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3. DISTRACTIONS
The final step in creating a perfect study environment is choosing a space that anticipates potential distractions. Put away all forms of technology, remove yourself from friends and family and concentrate on the task at hand.
The final step in creating a perfect study environment is choosing a space that anticipates potential distractions. Put away all forms of technology, remove yourself from friends and family and concentrate on the task at hand.
Maintaining study in your environment
Apply Feng Shui, the Chinese Philosophical way that teaches how to arrange furniture and objects to better facilitate learning.