How familiar is this scene, “Sweetie, have you done your homework? Yeeeees Mom, I am finishing it right now!" You peek around the corner only to find the TV on, dim lighting,, and your student plopped on the couch, eyes glazed over, half asleep, but sincerely holding on to that vocabulary list or calculator, as if trying to channel the information into their mind. If your student isn’t quite old enough to realize the comfort that comes with studying this way, careful, it’s probably coming. If this scene is indeed familiar to you, don’t worry. It’s familiar to many families all across the country. The problem is that most students are never taught the practical and necessary study skills required to succeed in studying, test taking, and retention.
While there are many issues we could raise with this scene, we’re going to discuss what’s probably the most overlooked study skill that will help your student improve the way they study, and in turn improve the way they perform in school, setting a study environment.
? The most obvious problem with our student’s study habits is that it, in no way-shape-or-form, mimics that of their test-taking environment. Your memory uses triggers to recall information, whether it is words, pictures or noises our minds naturally make mental associations between information intake and the environment in which it is taken. It’s similar to when you hear a song that makes you remember high school, or see a painting that reminds you of a vacation you once took. You never purposely made those connections; your brain did it automatically. It’s the same with studying.
? Many students will put forth an effort to actually make triggers in order to remember information, like using acronyms or word associations. But there are many of other connections our minds make and we don’t even realize it.
? Studies have shown that if students could study in the exact environment that they test in, performance would rise drastically. Why? It’s because our minds remember environment. Using this information, we can deduce that if in class you are sitting up straight, at a desk, with no distracting noises or voices, this is how you should study. While it is very rare to be able to study in the exact same environment you take tests in, every effort should be made to make it as close as possible. This may mean turning off the television, sitting at a table or desk instead of sitting on the couch, and even turning off the television. (Unless music is classical, which has shown to be beneficial when played softly in the background, music should be omitted too.)
? Improving your study environment can almost guarantee better performance. Sometimes the smallest effort to improve any aspect of studying, whether it be environment or something else, can make al the difference on test day and even contribute to remembering it long after.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of books written on study skills, promising improved performance. Chances are each and every one has something good to say, but all the books and tips in the world can’t help a student that studies in front of the television eating cookies. So often all we need is that small incremental step in the right direction to drastically improve results in the end. It’s much more effective to attempt small or practical study goals. Improving your study environment is a seemingly common sense improvement, but is overlooked by many parents. By making this effort you will be setting your student on a track for improved study habits that will stay with them and yield results for years to come.
Students spend a lot of time studying at home (we hope!) so why not help them take responsibility for their study space and make it work for them? With just a little effort it can actually be a positive, appealing area where they feel comfortable and motivated.
Within SuperCamps teen summer camps, instructors build an awareness of an important concept that is worth remembering when creating a positive study environment at home. Everything Speaks means that everything in the environment sends a message that either enhances or detracts from learning. Think about tidy versus cluttered chaos, light and airy versus dim and dark, inviting and functional versus any old place.
Location As they say in real estate, location is everything. Find a place thats quiet and free of distractions so, if possible, not the family room or the dining room table! The ideal is a defined study area in your childs bedroom.
Furnishings Make sure home study areas have good lighting (ideally, natural light and a lamp), shelves for reference books and supplies, and a computer, if needed. Obviously, theyll also need a desk or table with space for their study materials as well as a work area thats not cramped. And a comfortable sit-upright chair will help them stay alert and focused.
Resources Make sure your kids dont have to waste valuable study time looking for a pen! Help them stock up on pens, paper, and pencils, and have them all within reach, not just somewhere in their room! Also make sure they have whatever reference material they need.
Music Some classical music is brain friendly and enhances the study environment. Baroque music helps students to focus and to access their most resourceful learning state. The music optimizes the functions of the brain that store and retrieve information. Many (most?!) children will think that their own music is best, but try to convince them to try baroque they may well notice that it makes their study time easier, and want more! Suggest that they try some Bach, Handel, or Vivaldi while theyre studying and save their own music for breaks. If your kids are resistant, a first step might be to suggest that they choose music that does not have words words interfere with the part of their brain they need to study effectively, even if theyre not consciously listening to the words!
Affirmative signs Positive signs will remind your childs subconscious mind of his or her potential to learn. Help your child create an inspiring atmosphere by making some signs use lots of color (our brains love color!) and the following ideas to get you started: I BELIEVE IN MYSELF EVERYTHING I DO DESERVES MY BEST EFFORT LEARNING IS FUN AND NATURAL! EVERY CHALLENGE OFFERS A GIFT I AM UNIQUE AND VALUABLE I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT I CREATE I CAN LEARN THIS! EVERYONE HAS THE RESOURCES TO BE SUCCESSFUL
Another good idea is to have an achievement area (a bulletin board would work well) for awards, papers with good grades, and lists of accomplishments. A bulletin board would also work well for posting study schedules and reminders of project due dates.
Homework support Your show of interest, support, and guidance in helping your child create a positive study environment at home will go a long way toward establishing great homework habits. Its also a good idea to create and agree on homework guidelines so you can continue to work together toward success. Why not have a special lunch together and set up a plan that will work for both of you? You could also consider a reward for consistently following the plan.
Homework time: Sometimes its not easy because of extracurricular activities, but try to define a specific time each day that homework will be started.
Distractions: Fewer distractions equals more productive time. Make a plan with your child about the timing for phone calls, internet browsing, and play time.
Breaks: Breaks are important. Research shows that students remember more of the information learned at beginnings and endings of study periods. Thus, better retention is experienced when frequent breaks are taken. A ten-minute break after each hour of study time will enhance learning. (For younger children who dont have such long study periods, a five-minute break every half hour will work well.)
Flexibility: You will both need to agree to be flexible sometimes homework will have to start a bit later, sometimes a family commitment will mean starting a little earlier, sometimes a break may need to be slightly longer than five or ten minutes. Flexibility keeps you and your child connected!
Both Roger Seip & Ben Needles are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Roger Seip has sinced written about articles on various topics from Other Business, Sales and Negotiation and Other Business. Roger Seip is a nationally known memory trainer. His new program, The Student’s Winning Edge - Memory Training, teaches students how to train their memory to study more effectively and get better grades. For more information on how your student can have a. Roger Seip's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.