Study Environment
To help yourself to study effectively, you should create an environment which is:
- Clean
- Comfortable
- Inviting
You should pay careful attention to these aspects of the physical environment.
Lighting
Ensure there is plenty of light. Artificial lighting should be of adequate intensity, well-distributed, and free from glare. Some sort of indirect lighting is best.
Air
When studying you should avoid stale and stuffy atmospheres. Good room ventilation is desirable. Many forms of room heating result in close conditions and lead to sleepiness.
Space
You should work in a regular place with books and materials close by. But if you find it hard to settle to solitary work, working in your library may be more effective.
Quiet
Work in a place where noise and distractions are at a minimum. If it's impossible to find a quiet place, don't use that as an excuse for not studying. It is possible to adjust to the more moderate levels of noise. Much depends on the kind of noise and on your attitude to it.
Furniture
Study is best done while sitting at a desk or table and maintaining an erect posture. The desk should allow plenty of room for books and papers. The chair should be of such height that your feet can be placed on the floor when your knees are at right angles. The height will vary depending on your height. A good adjustable office chair is recommended. You probably have to take your study furniture as you find it, but it might be possible to raise a desk that is too low by tacking wooden battens on the bottom of it, or if a chair is too high use a footrest.
Letting others know
Let those with whom you share your house/lodgings know that you need time, space and freedom from distraction, so that you can concentrate on your work.
Also develop regular habits of study in certain places. Try to study a subject in the same place and at the same time. You'll develop habits which make it easier for you to concentrate, and others will be aware of your routine.
Organise yourself
You need to organise your time so that:
- You are not interrupted
- You take breaks
- You do some stretching, and/or exercising as this will help revitalise you mind and body.
Once you have completed your research make a list of ideas you want to discuss then:
- Plan - set definite goals and tasks
- Prioritise - decide the order in which your jobs will be done
- Complete your work - begin working immediately and attend to one thing at a time.
For more information
- Check the shelves:
Study skills: maximise your time to pass exams 371.30281 KEN - Search the LLC Catalogue with the key terms 'study skills'
- Explore the web
- Ask a Librarian!
The LLC recommends these web links:
- Improve concentration
Details internal and external factors that hinder concentration while studying. - Setting up your study environment
Queensland TAFE guide to study environments; including quizzes and office ergonomics.
