STUDY SKILLSGetting 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

Nodistractions

Your study location should be free fromnoise and visual distractions; away from

TV, radio or phones.

A constantlocation

Find a familiar and comfortable area whereyou can study (bedroom, sitting room,

the attic, the kitchen table). You can studywhile waiting for a bus/on a lunch break

but having one constant location will helpyou concentrate.

Study Place

PC andInternetaccess

It isn’t essential to have your own PC,but you will need regular access to one

in order to prepare essays and doresearch on the Internet. You can use your

local community centre or the campuslibrary/PC labs.

Studyfurniture

A minimum requirement is a steady tableand a firm-backed chair (no armchairs!).

The desk should be big enough foryour books and notes. You should also

have a shelf/box for your materials.

Study Place

Lighting

Study under proper lighting to avoid eyestrain. 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 doinga lot of reading.

Heating

The temperature should be comfortableand you should make sure there is

adequate ventilation. An overheated,stuffy atmosphere is more conducive todrowsiness 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?