CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A GOOD STUDY SPACE

Your study space is critical to your ability to study effectively. After all, if you can’t concentrate, you certainly can’t expect to learn very well.

This does not necessarily mean that you have to find a place that's completely silent and set it up as your study area, but it does mean you should find someplace to study that fits your specific personality and learning style.

Students are different. Some do need a completely quiet room free from interruptions when they study, but others actually study better listening to quiet music in the background or taking several breaks.

Take the time to assess your real needs and plan for the perfect study place.

You will study most effectively if you make your study time special, like a ceremony. Assign yourself a specific place and regular time. Some students even give a name to their study space.

It might sound crazy, but it works. By naming your study space, you generate more respect for your own space. It might just keep your little brother away from your things!

1. Evaluate your personality and preferences. Discover whether or not you are vulnerable to noise and other distractions. Also determine if you work better by sitting quietly for a long period of time or if you need to take short breaks once in awhile and then return to your work.
2. Identify the space and claim it. Your bedroom maybe the best place to study, but it may not be. Some students identify their bedrooms with rest and simply can't concentrate there. A bedroom can also be problematical if you share a room with a sibling. If you happen to need a quiet place without interruption, it might be better for you to set up a place in the attic, basement, or garage, completely away from others.
   If this is realistic (some and attics have no electricity, for instance) just ask your parents to help you set it up. Most parents would be glad to accommodate a student trying to improve study habits!
   
3. Make sure your study area is comfortable. It is very important to set up your computer and chair in a way that won't harm your hands, wrists, and neck. Take care to avoid repetitive stress injury. Next, stock your study space with all the tools you’ll need, like pens, pencils, paper, dictionaries, a thesaurus, and math tools.
   
4. Establish study rules. Avoid unnecessary arguments and misunderstandings with your parents by establishing when and how you study. If you know that you are able to study effectively by taking breaks, just say so. You may want to create a homework contract.

Communicate with your parents and explain that you are not just fooling around when you get up for a snack. Or, explain if you are certain that you can study with music on. If you don’t have a conversation about this, there are likely to think you’re messing around when you are not.

 Source Grace Fleming (http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/studyspace.htm)