Study Styles
As you can see from Arturo, Maggie, and Clarissa, as well as from your own experiences and observations, students can work under all kinds of conditions. Problems occur when your preferences don’t coincide with your situations. Knowing your learning styles can help you find-tune your study styles.
- Lone Ranger – If you concentrate best when you're alone, it’s obvious that you need to find a place where you can satisfy your needs. Negotiate with your roommate or suite mates about staggering study time, or find a secluded spot on campus, in the library or a little-used lounge.
- Peace, Baby – Some people can’t concentrate at all if there is even the tiniest disturbance. Share your preferences with those around you. Even if you used to be able to watch cartoons while doing homework, college work will demand new needs for concentration.
- Lights, Camera, Action – Some students can tolerate a certain level of noise and activity. If you think you can, make sure you still feel that way after a couple of weeks of living in a residence hall. And just because you’re not distracted doesn’t mean others aren’t. Respect the peace-lovers in your environment.
- Uprighters vs. Slouchers – Do you need to be sitting at a desk or chair in order to maintain concentration? Find your space and make it your habitual study station. If your eyes get heavy when you read in bed, this is definitely not the place to spread your books and papers. And if you get sleepy after eating a meal, schedule your study times either before the evening meal or a couple of hours afterwards. Even if you’re a night owl but you have an 8 a.m. class, turn in earlier the night before. So if your study buddies like to spread their books and laptops on your bed or sprawl on the floor, say “no thanks” unless you’re watching a movie.
- Groupies – Some students prefer to hit the books in the company of others. Social support can be beneficial, but be careful that study sessions don’t keep lapsing into off-the-topic parties. Make sure your group members agree to stay on task, set time limits, and respect each other’s need to study. To see if group study sessions are you style, seek tutorial help, attend workshops, or schedule a session. You’ll maximize your time if your partners are studying the same subject, so recruit members from your class.
References:
La Farge, Phyllis. “7 Keys to Learning.” Parents. February 1994.
Wilson, Leslie Owen. Eighth Intelligence: Naturalistic Intelligence. 1998
Felder, Richard. Learning Styles.