Monday, June 16, 2008

How to Make a Study Space


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Without a suitable study space, you're most likely to get no work done. You have to clear yourself of distractions and clutter in order to ace that test.

Steps


  1. Decide where you work best. Do you prefer working in busier, louder environments or calmer, quieter places?
    • If you work best with some noise, claim a permanent place in your family kitchen or living room. Just be sure to stay close to where most people are, but don't be in the same room as everyone. You don't want too much noise.
    • Or maybe your preference are quieter areas. In that case, study inside your room. Make sure to minimize all distractions by telling your family to leave your room undisturbed. And stay away from that TV and MP3!

  2. Be comfortable, but alert . Try to station your study space at a desk. Soft couches and beds can be comfy, but you'll probably end up catching some Z's, instead of studying.
    • Don't dim the lights. That'll just increase the risk of falling asleep. Turn on as much lights as possible. Not only will you be less likely to fall asleep, but you can see everything nice and clearly with proper lighting. After all, it'll be hard to read, in the dark. So, it's recommended that you turn on an ordinary lamp and an overhead desk light.
    • Choose a table that's the right size for you. Make sure you can rest your elbows easily on it. It should size up to somewhere between your waist and below your ribcage when you sit down to it.
    • Pick a simple chair that can not roll or rotate. You'll probably end up screwing around with one of those nifty, but tempting chairs. Also, get a comfortable chair that you can't sleep on easily. So sofas are out. And make sure you can put your feet flat on the ground while sitting on it.
    • Computers are great for studying, but make sure to keep it at a safe distance. Keep it at least a foot away from you. Your eyes will thank you later.

  3. Keep school supplies handy. Make sure to have a ruler, pencils, pencil sharpeners, lead (if you have mechanical pencils), erasers, paper, and highlighters at your study spot.
  4. Personalize your study space. Have a cork board hanging near your homework spot. Tack pictures of your friends, family, and pets near by. Who knows? Your good luck charm just might give you inspiration with your homework!
  5. Organize your space by stocking up on storage. Place all of your school supplies in a box. It's also important to organize your notes in a folder. Keep a folder for each subject.


Tips


  • Your Study Place does you little good if you cannot use it when you need it. If you are using a Study Place that you must share with others for any reason, work out a schedule so that you know when you can use it.
  • It is important to have uninterrupted study time. You may have to hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door or take the phone off the hook.
  • Research shows that most students study best in a quiet environment. If you find that playing a stereo or TV improves your mood, keep the volume low. But try to plug out the tv so even if you try it won't work. And if you want music, have a CD that has no words. Classical, electronic or post-rock instrumental music might be good. It should be calm and relaxing, so it doesn't distract you too much.
  • Be sure your Study Place includes reference sources and supplies such as pens and pencils, paper, ruler, calculator, and whatever else you might need. If you use a computer for your schoolwork, it should be in your Study Place .
  • While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk or table that is large enough to hold everything you need. Allow enough room for writing and try to avoid clutter. And be organized .
  • You need enough room to store your study materials. Be sure you have enough storage space to allow you to keep your desktop or other work surface clear of unnecessary materials that can get in the way.
  • A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with your studying. A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which you can sit for long periods while maintaining your attention. And so your butt doesn't hurt.
  • The amount of light you need depends on what you are doing. The important thing is that you can clearly see what you need to see without any strain or discomfort.
  • If your Study Place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear. Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.
  • Not only is it important to have a proper study space, but in order to study at your best make sure to take precise notes.


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