Chapter 4: Learning Strategies
35
It’s important to create an organized, productive space that is designated for schooling. Our environment influences behaviour so it is important that the place where we study is conducive to learning.
Video: How to Create an Organized, Productive Study Space
Watch the video ” How to Create an Organized, Productive Study Space” [12:07].
Top 10 Tips for Creating an Effective Study Space
- One designated study space
- Lots of natural light
- Artificial light (lamps, overhead fixtures, etc.)
- Comfortable temperature
- Comfortable yet sturdy chair
- Necessary study supplies
- Agenda/ calendar/ planner
- No distractions
- Clean and organized
- Preferred sounds (silent, music, etc.)
- Personal touches (photos, plants, quotes, etc.)
Depending on your living situation, it can sometimes be difficult to create an ideal study space. For example, you might be sharing a dorm room with another student, live in a bustling household with noisy children, or have an apartment in the heart of a busy city. If your living environment is not completely ‘study-friendly,’ take advantage of campus and community spaces!
These can include:
- Libraries
- Coffee shops
- Empty lecture halls or tutorial rooms
- Community centres
- Residence common rooms
- Numerous studies also examine the benefits of studying outdoors! If your location and climate permit, outdoor study spaces are a great option for taking advantage of natural light and distancing yourself from your bed, family members, roommates, technology, and other distracting elements within your living space. Read the following ‘Studying outdoors can boost your brain power!’ article which discusses why studying outdoors is optimal.
Activity: Improving Your Study Space
Think about your study space. What would your ideal study space look, feel, and sound like? What do you like about your current space? Is there anything that doesn’t work for you?
Answer the question in the space provided.
