The Ideal Study Location

By Dr. Mary Kleymann, Chief Operating Officer

Writing Symphony (www.writingsymphony.com)

The COVID-19 pandemic irrevocably changed education paths, the classroom, and how learning looks to students, parents, and teachers. One of those changes is the variety of learning environments in which students find themselves succeeding.

As I read more and more about these varied learning environments, I see a key, related issue frequently appearing throughout articles and social media: Where is the best place for students to study? Although parents seem more open to various learning environments, have they applied the same openness to where their student studies? I know that the information presented here can be contrary to how many of us were raised, but research supports allowing your student to find the best study space and time to maximize their learning and reduce their frustration.

My father was a firm believer in a dedicated desk and quiet study space for each of his three children. He insisted we use these desks and avoid all distractions while studying. That environment worked well for my sister and my brother. However, for me, it was a challenge to stay focused at a desk, with no music or other distraction. I struggled to get my homework completed or retain the information presented to me.

As I got a little older, I started sitting at my desk until my dad left the room. Then I would climb up onto my bed, put my headphones on, and really begin to study. Once I made this change, I was able to complete my homework with confidence, retaining much more of the information presented to me. Eventually, my dad found out. I was able to strike a deal with him to continue studying in the way that worked best for me as long as I maintained a high grade point average.

Every person takes in, processes, and can study a little differently, so talk together to find your child's study preference. It is critical to embrace this concept and help each of your children find the study space that truly works best for them. Improving their self-awareness of their own thought processes through discussion and helping them gain an understanding of how they best learn early on will help them excel in all areas of academic life.

There are two steps to take to identify your child’s ideal study area:

1. Observe where your child chooses to study, read, and complete homework when given the chance to choose their own location.

a. Are they completing their homework in this location?

b. Are they able to stay focused?

c. Do they feel comfortable asking questions from this location?

2. Ask your students a few key questions to find out how they feel about their study area.

a. Do you think you get a lot of homework done in this area?

b. Do you need noise to help you study? (Total silence works for some, however the ability to focus with background distractions around, might be a more useful study skill to attain early in life.)

c. Do you think you study better alone or with other people?

Once you have helped them identify the best learning space, it is also important to find out the best time of day for them to study. Do they consume new information best in the morning before school starts? Immediately after school? After dinner? Everyone feels energized at different times of the day and helping your child find the best time will make their study time more efficient and effective, reducing frustration for both them and you.

Although students need a dedicated area in which to study, it does not necessarily need to be a desk in a quiet corner. The most important element of your child’s study space is that it fits their learning needs and is a comfortable environment for them to study. Paying attention to their individual needs will be of immense benefit to their learning and knowledge retention. Although it drove him crazy (something he will admit even today!), he kept his word. By finding my best study environment and being allowed to listen to music, I was able to establish efficacious study habits that brought be academic success throughout my three degrees. I encourage you to start these conversations and observations with your children today and embrace what works for them as an effective, efficient student.