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The Chi of Your Study EnvironmentSo, is your study environment important, and if so, where should you study? That depends a great deal on your age, and ability to get around on your own. There are always ideal places to study, but these ideal places have a tendency to change as we get older.You have several choices of ideal places to study from elementary to high school. First, your school library if they let you in before or after school. Second, a public library if you can arrange for transportation to get there. And third, probably the most common study environment, is your bedroom, home office or dining room table. Setting Up Your Home Study EnvironmentI’m a big believer that the study environment should be conducive to studying. This means, the following:
Some things you may want to turn off, turn down or remove from your study area are the following:
The Distraction SolutionHere’s how I explain getting rid of distractions...If I’m watching television, talking on the phone, listening to my iPod, or playing with my siblings, I don’t want to be disturbed by homework or studying. Give your homework or study time the same deference when it’s time to work. Make it easier on yourself, create a welcoming and productive study area. The fewer distractions, the more focused you will be. The more focused you are, the faster you’ll finish your work. Have you ever watched a baby try not to fall asleep? Why do they fight sleeping? They need the sleep. So, get on with it...sleep. The same is true for studying. Why allow these distractions when you know they will interfere with your studying? It’s almost like you don’t really want to study...this couldn’t be true...could it? Study Environment for Older StudentsOnce you have your driver’s license, your places to study expands. So high school students, and college students have more options for places to study.Ever see all those kids at Starbucks? How about Barnes and Noble or Borders Bookstores. Are these ideal study areas? Here’s the pros and cons. Coffee shops and bookstores have become famously known as the “third place”. A place where people congregate, besides their home (their first place) and work or school (their second place). Coffee and book stores usually have wireless internet access, as well as comfortable, and relatively quiet surroundings, but is this the makings of a good study environment?Remember that the best places to study is a personal decision, and it’s often the place where you can be the most productive. Coffee stores, and some bookstores have access to a caffeine source and snacks which can be a nice reward for a successful study session. Bookstores also have access to reference materials to help you study. The bad thing about coffee shops and bookstores, is that most people actually go there for coffee or to buy books. They aren’t libraries. There are the occasional screaming kids, espresso machines, chatter from soccer moms, and of course there are the people who work there, answering questions, re-shelving books, answering phones and cashing out customers. What About Study Environments for College Kids in Particular?What about college dorms as study areas? College kids usually find out quickly that dorms aren’t necessarily a great place to study either. Although all of the aspects of a home study environment can be transferred to a college dorm room, the college dorm room has one distinct disadvantage.There are probably several hundred, if not thousands of other kids in the same dorm. Everybody keeps different study schedules (some may not have any study schedule). The living quarters are often cramped, kids are drinking, partying, listening to music...do I need to go on? Thankfully, colleges have libraries (which gets my vote for the best place to study), student union buildings (which can be a convenient place to study, and empty classrooms, not to mention the occasional shady tree in the university courtyard. Another great study environment is the university computer labs. This is a great place to have computer and internet access (without having to lug your laptop around), as well as an academic environment conducive to studying. And if you ever notice the students that work at the computer lab...they usually look like their doing their homework...just a hint if your kid is looking for part time employment on campus. As I’ve said before, college libraries are the best place to study. Why? Because, when they built the library, they build it with the idea that this would be a study environment for the students. Good lighting, good room temperature, plenty of space, conference rooms for study groups, and study carrels for students who seek a little privacy when they study. Libraries are usually quiet, and conducive to studying. College libraries are usually centrally located and convenient for students to get to. When I’m on campus, I often see students taking advantage of unused classrooms. Empty classrooms are also a goo place to study, and have good table space, internet connection, whiteboards, and overhead projectors. But be prepared to get kicked out if a class is starting, or if the campus police need to lock the room for security reasons. Student union buildings which often house fast food outlets are another popular place to study. Multi tasking by eating and studying at the same time may seem like a good idea, but eating areas generally aren’t built with study environments in mind. Also be prepared for the hustle and bustle of a lunch or dinner crowd, unless you’re going at an off hour. Sometimes, the best study environment is under a good shade tree or a lazy flowing river that gives you the relaxed setting you’re looking for. These places are generally good for reading or discussions, but not really a serious final exam study environment. Return from Study Environment to Tutor Trend Home Page
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