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Sometimes a simple correction to your environment will make it easier for you to work. If your smartphone is calling your name, move it to another room or stash it in a cabinet. Room temperature can affect your ability to study and concentrate. Make adjustments as necessary to stay comfortable so you can focus on your work.
Some environmental factors are not in your control, such as construction noises or a neighbor’s yapping dog. But you still can make changes that improve your concentration by minimizing outside distractions. Try headphones plugged into your computer or music player. You can listen to “white noise” or instrumental music that blocks other noises without distracting you. If you are always bothered by noise when you work, it may be worth investing in a pair of noise-canceling headphones.
The ideal study environment is wherever you’re able to concentrate and be productive. For some students, the ideal study environment is complete silence and removal from all outside distractions. For other students, the ideal study environment is cozy and a little busy. For still others, the “ideal” environment changes from day to day. The key is to discover your ideal study environments, and to be flexible enough to make changes that allow you to get your work done.
And if you're busy preparing for finals and exams, here's an offer for middle and high school students. Successful Study Skills 4 Students (S4) is offering a free e-book, “S4’s Test and Exam Study Tips." S4 is an area leader in providing study-skills workshops and coaching to middle, high school and precollege students. The book provides strategies for preparing to take a variety of tests. Strategies are outlined for specific content areas; English, math, science, social studies and foreign language as well as specific test types, including multiple choice, short answer, essay and open book.
The strategies are adapted from S4’s study-skills workshops, which will run in July and August in Connecticut and Westchester County. The workshops offer a more in-depth approach to studying, note-taking, time management, project management and self-advocacy. More information about the workshops can be found online. The ebook will be available for download online through June 10.
S4 partners with public, independent, charter and parochial schools to offer an accessible, logical and easy-to-implement study skills system. The program is designed to work with all curriculum. To date, more than 1,000 students have participated in the S4 program to learn valuable skills for better classroom engagement, increased focus, and better preparation for class, tests, and projects. S4 also offers Professional Development and Parent Workshops.
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