STUDY SKILLS Getting Organised!

Getting Organised When you decide to study, you will need to make time and place for it. Lack of time is mentioned by many students as their main problem, and is often given as the reason for dropping out of a course, or even not starting in the first place. Similarly, if you are attempting to study in an unsuitable environment, any time you succeed in putting aside for study can be wasted as a result of distractions or not having the materials you need to hand.

Managing Your Study Place Where you study and the conditions under which you study affect your learning. Generally, people work best in quiet locations, free from distractions. If there is no prospect of finding a quiet place to study at home, you may think of regular study sessions in your local public library, or perhaps a friend's house. You will benefit greatly if you can find a study place that meets as many of the requirements presented on the next slide as possible.

Study Place No distractions Your study location should be free from noise and visual distractions; away from TV, radio or phones. A constant location Find a familiar and comfortable area where you can study (bedroom, sitting room, the attic, the kitchen table). You can study while waiting for a bus/on a lunch break but having one constant location will help you concentrate.

Study Place PC and Internet access It isn’t essential to have your own PC, but you will need regular access to one in order to prepare essays and do research on the Internet. You can use your local community centre or the campus library/PC labs. Study furniture A minimum requirement is a steady table and a firm-backed chair (no armchairs! ). The desk should be big enough for your books and notes. You should also have a shelf/box for your materials.

Study Place Lighting Study under proper lighting to avoid eye strain. Normally, the best lighting is a 70 to 100 watt shaded centre ceiling light. A desk lamp of lower power (40–60 watt) can also be useful if you are doing a lot of reading. Heating The temperature should be comfortable and you should make sure there is adequate ventilation. An overheated, stuffy atmosphere is more conducive to drowsiness than it is to effective study.

Thinking about the Place Where will you study? Is the room free of television/radio/stereo? Can you use the same location all the time? Can you leave your books out when you finish your study session? Do you have a suitable table or desk to work on? Do you have a study chair, that will support your back while studying? Will you be able to access a PC and the Internet? Can you set up a shelf for your course materials? Is the lighting adequate? Is the room properly ventilated and heated?