Merits of a clutter-free studyroom

Conducive

 A good study environment is a highly individualized matter, says Priyameet Kaur

We all are different and get distracted by different things. Creating a good study environment allows you to maximize your learning efficiency.  A good study environment is one that can help you to focus better and ensure that you get the most out of your study time.

When combined with effective time management, high motivation, good reading and note taking skills, and systematic test preparation, a good study environment serves as a catalyst for productive effort and ensures success. A good study environment is a highly individualized matter. What’s right for you may not be right for a friend or roommate.

As much as possible, you should designate a special place to study. This place should be uncluttered and should provide few distractions to allow for maximum concentration. Needless to say, some study tasks, must be done elsewhere, but having a regular "home base" that you associate with studying helps to reinforce your self-discipline. It also provides a place where essential materials can be stored.

There are three primary considerations in creating your study environment:
a.  Your most effective and efficient learning style
 b.  The nature of the learning task
c.  The availability of learning resources

*  Learning style: In determining your learning style, pay attention to your senses. Eliminate things in your environment that interfere with your concentration, and utilize your senses to accommodate learning.

* Learning Task: The nature of the learning task sometimes dictates a particular study environment. If heavy-duty memory work is called for, you may want to study alone for awhile and then get together with someone else for a recall drill. For problem-solving, a study group may be your choice, provided the group sets some ground rules about staying on course! This usually works best when group members have done preliminary studying before the group convenes. A large uncluttered work space provides the best accommodation in preparing a project for presentation.

*Learning Resources: Accumulate the necessary resources—texts, notebooks, pens, etc. before you begin to study. Plan ahead if an assignment if an assignment requires the use of a book on reserve at the library. Utilize available laboratory facilities when appropriate.

Speaking of resources, do you find yourself with a stock of junk food on hand when studying? Constant nibbling is not only bad for your waistline but also distracts you from studying. Furthermore, a "sugar fix" creates a temporary high, but sugar metabolizes rapidly and you soon "crash" and become drowsy. Try having fresh fruits and vegetables, handy, but save munching time for a study break. Reward yourself with a nutritious snack for your hard work.

A little planning helps to remember that there is no one best study environment. Determine your best place by being aware of your learning style, the learning tasks, and the required learning resources. Have one regular place to study which offers minimum of distractions; and stand up to intruders, be they roommates, telephones, or pizza, etc.

“Study” situations to avoid

It is commonly agreed that the following situations do not provide good study environments:
* Working with headphones on
* Studying in front of a TV
* Trying to work with other who is not taking the same classes as you are, or who does not feel like studying.
* Trying to study near any activity you enjoy