{"id":94,"date":"2015-11-09T23:14:43","date_gmt":"2015-11-09T23:14:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/zelixsdv100\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=94"},"modified":"2015-12-03T16:30:20","modified_gmt":"2015-12-03T16:30:20","slug":"organizing-your-space","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/chapter\/organizing-your-space\/","title":{"raw":"Organizing Your Space","rendered":"Organizing Your Space"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_n01\" class=\"im_learning_objectives im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<b>\u00a0<\/b>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h3>LEARNING OBJECTIVES<\/h3>\r\nBy the end of this section, you will be able to:\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Recognize the importance of organizing your space to your best advantage for studying.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Avoid distractions in the space where you are studying.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Understand the myth of multitasking and prevent distractions from your personal technology.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\"><\/div>\r\nNow that you\u2019ve worked up an attitude for success and are feeling motivated, it\u2019s time to get organized. You need to organize both your space and your time.<a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess2xmaster\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/440\/2015\/02\/2287862388_fa35133d47_o.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-478\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1230\/2015\/11\/03013751\/2287862388_fa35133d47_o-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"2287862388_fa35133d47_o\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" \/><\/a>Space is important for many reasons\u2014some obvious, some less so. People\u2019s moods, attitudes, and levels of work productivity change in different spaces. Learning to use space to your own advantage helps get you off to a good start in your studies. Here are a few of the ways space matters:\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_l02\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Everyone needs his or her own space.<\/strong> This may seem simple, but everyone needs some physical area, regardless of size, that is really his or her own\u2014even if it\u2019s only a small part of a shared space. Within your own space, you generally feel more secure and in control.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Physical space reinforces habits.<\/strong> For example, using your bed primarily for sleeping makes it easier to fall asleep there than elsewhere and also makes it not a good place to try to stay awake and alert for studying.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Different places create different moods.<\/strong> While this may seem obvious, students don\u2019t always use places to their best advantage. One place may be bright and full of energy, with happy students passing through and enjoying themselves\u2014a place that puts you in a good mood. But that may actually make it more difficult to concentrate on your studying. Yet the opposite\u2014a totally quiet, austere place devoid of color and sound and pleasant decorations\u2014can be just as unproductive if it makes you associate studying with something unpleasant. Everyone needs to discover what space works best for himself or herself\u2014and then let that space reinforce good study habits.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Use Space to Your Advantage and to Avoid Distractions<\/h2>\r\nBegin by analyzing your needs, preferences, and past problems with places for studying. Where do you usually study? What are the best things about that place for studying? What distractions are most likely to occur there?\r\n\r\nThe goal is to find, or create, the best place for studying, and then to use it regularly so that studying there becomes a good habit.\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s01_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Choose a place you can associate with studying.<\/strong> Make sure it\u2019s not a place already associated with other activities (eating, watching television, sleeping, etc.). Over time, the more often you study in this space, the stronger will be its association with studying, so that eventually you\u2019ll be completely focused as soon as you reach that place and begin.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Your study area should be available whenever you need it.<\/strong> If you want to use your home, apartment, or dorm room but you never know if another person may be there and possibly distract you, then it\u2019s probably better to look for another place, such as a study lounge or an area in the library. Look for locations open at the hours when you may be studying. You may also need two study spaces\u2014one in or near where you live, another on campus. Maybe you study best at home but have an hour free between two classes, and the library is too far away to use for only an hour? Look for a convenient empty classroom.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s01_l02\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Your study space should meet your study needs.<\/strong> An open desk or table surface usually works best for writing, and you\u2019ll tire quickly if you try to write notes sitting in an easy chair (which might also make you sleepy). You need good light for reading, to avoid tiring from eyestrain. If you use a laptop for writing notes or reading and researching, you need a power outlet so you don\u2019t have to stop when your battery runs out.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Your study space should meet your psychological needs.<\/strong> Some students may need total silence with <a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess2xmaster\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/440\/2015\/04\/enclosed-bench.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-522\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1230\/2015\/11\/03013752\/enclosed-bench.jpg\" alt=\"Person sitting in covered bench space\" width=\"240\" height=\"207\" \/><\/a>absolutely no visual distractions; they may find a perfect study carrel hidden away on the fifth floor in the library. Other students may be unable to concentrate for long without looking up from reading and momentarily letting their eyes move over a pleasant scene. Some students may find it easier to stay motivated when surrounded by other students also studying; they may find an open space in the library or a study lounge with many tables spread out over an area. Experiment to find the setting that works best for you\u2014and remember that the more often you use <em class=\"im_emphasis\">this same space<\/em>, the more comfortable and effective your studying will become.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">You may need the support of others to maintain your study space.<\/strong> Students living at home, whether with a spouse and children or with their parents, often need the support of family members to maintain an effective study space. The kitchen table probably isn\u2019t best if others pass by frequently. Be creative, if necessary, and set up a card table in a quiet corner of your bedroom or elsewhere to avoid interruptions. Put a \u201cdo not disturb\u201d sign on your door.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Keep your space organized and free of distractions.<\/strong> You want to prevent sudden impulses to neaten up the area (when you should be studying), do laundry, wash dishes, and so on. Unplug a nearby telephone, turn off your cell phone, and use your computer only as needed for studying. If your e-mail or message program pops up a notice every time an e-mail or message arrives, turn off your Wi-Fi or detach the network cable to prevent those intrusions.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Plan for breaks.<\/strong> Everyone needs to take a break occasionally when studying. Think about the space you\u2019re in and how to use it when you need a break. If in your home, stop and do a few exercises to get your blood flowing. If in the library, take a walk up a couple flights of stairs and around the stacks before returning to your study area.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Prepare for human interruptions.<\/strong> Even if you hide in the library to study, there\u2019s a chance a friend may happen by. At home with family members or in a dorm room or common space, the odds increase greatly. Have a plan ready in case someone pops in and asks you to join them in some fun activity. Know when you plan to finish your studying so that you can make a plan for later\u2014or for tomorrow at a set time.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">The Distractions of Technology<\/h2>\r\n<span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">Multitasking<\/span><\/span> is the term commonly used for being engaged in two or more different activities at the same time, usually referring to activities using devices such as cell phones, smartphones, computers, and so on. Many people claim to be able to do as many as four or five things simultaneously, such as writing an e-mail while responding to an instant message (IM) and reading a tweet, all while watching a video on their computer monitor or talking on the phone. Many people who have grown up with computers consider this kind of multitasking a normal way to get things done, including studying. Even people in business sometimes speak of multitasking as an essential component of today\u2019s fast-paced world.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess2xmaster\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/440\/2015\/04\/tvs.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright wp-image-523\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1230\/2015\/11\/03013753\/tvs-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Multiple television sets\" width=\"254\" height=\"191\" \/><\/a>It is true that <em class=\"im_emphasis\">some<\/em> things can be attended to while you\u2019re doing something else, such as checking e-mail while you watch television news\u2014but only when none of those things demands your full attention. You can concentrate 80 percent on the e-mail, for example, while 20 percent of your attention is listening for something on the news that catches your attention. Then you turn to the television for a minute, watch that segment, and go back to the e-mail. But you\u2019re not actually watching the television <em class=\"im_emphasis\">at the same time<\/em> you\u2019re composing the e-mail\u2014you\u2019re rapidly going back and forth. In reality, the mind can focus only on one thing at any given moment. Even things that don\u2019t require much thinking are severely impacted by multitasking, such as driving while talking on a cell phone or texting. An astonishing number of people end up in the emergency room from just trying to walk down the sidewalk while texting, so common is it now to walk into a pole or parked car while multitasking!\r\n\r\n\u201cOkay,\u201d you might be thinking, \u201cwhy should it matter if I write my paper first and then answer e-mails or do them back and forth at the same time?\u201d <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">It actually takes you longer to do two or more things at the same time than if you do them separately<\/strong>\u2014at least with anything that you actually have to focus on, such as studying. That\u2019s true because each time you go back to studying after looking away to a message or tweet, it takes time for your mind to shift gears to get back to where you were. Every time your attention shifts, add up some more \u201cdowntime\u201d\u2014and pretty soon it\u2019s evident that multitasking is costing you a lot more time than you think. And that\u2019s assuming that your mind <em class=\"im_emphasis\">does<\/em> fully shift back to where you were every time, without losing your train of thought or forgetting an important detail. It doesn\u2019t always.\r\n\r\nThe other problem with multitasking is the effect it can have on the attention span\u2014and even on how the brain works. Scientists have shown that in people who constantly shift their attention from one thing to another in short bursts, the brain forms patterns that make it more difficult to keep sustained attention on any one thing. So when you really do need to concentrate for a while on one thing, such as when studying for a big test, it becomes more difficult to do even if you\u2019re not multitasking at that time. It\u2019s as if your mind makes a habit of wandering from one thing to another and then can\u2019t stop.\r\n\r\nSo stay away from multitasking whenever you have something important to do, like studying. If it\u2019s already a habit for you, don\u2019t let it become worse. Manipulate your study space to prevent the temptations altogether. Turn your computer off\u2014or shut down e-mail and messaging programs if you need the computer for studying. Turn your cell phone off\u2014if you just tell yourself not to answer it but still glance at it each time to see who sent or left a message, you\u2019re still losing your studying momentum and have to start over again. For those who are really addicted to technology (you know who you are!), go to the library and don\u2019t take your laptop or cell phone.\r\n\r\nIn the later section in this chapter on scheduling your study periods, we recommend scheduling breaks as well, usually for a few minutes every hour. If you\u2019re really hooked on checking for messages, plan to do that at scheduled times.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess2xmaster\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/440\/2015\/04\/headphones.jpg\"><img class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-524\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1230\/2015\/11\/03013755\/headphones.jpg\" alt=\"Man wearing headphones looking down\" width=\"240\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a>What about listening to music while studying? Some don\u2019t consider that multitasking, and many students say they can listen to music without it affecting their studying. Studies are inconclusive about the positive or negative effects of music on people\u2019s ability to concentrate, probably because so many different factors are involved. But there\u2019s a huge difference between listening to your favorite CD and spontaneously singing along with some of the songs and enjoying soft background music that enhances your study space the same way as good lighting and pleasant d\u00e9cor. Some people can study better with low-volume instrumental music that relaxes them and does not intrude on their thinking, while others can concentrate only in silence. And some are so used to being immersed in music and the sounds of life that they find <em class=\"im_emphasis\">total<\/em> silence more distracting\u2014such people can often study well in places where people are moving around. The key thing is to be honest with yourself: if you\u2019re <em class=\"im_emphasis\">actively<\/em> listening to music while you\u2019re studying, then you\u2019re likely not studying as well as you could be. It will take you longer and lead to less successful results.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s03\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Family and Roommate Issues<\/h2>\r\nSometimes going to the library or elsewhere is not practical for studying, and you have to find a way to cope in a shared space.\r\n\r\nPart of the solution is time management. Agree with others on certain times that will be reserved for studying; agree to keep the place quiet, not to have guests visiting, and to prevent other distractions. These arrangements can be made with a roommate, spouse, and older children. If there are younger children in your household and you have child-care responsibility, it\u2019s usually more complicated. You may have to schedule your studying during their nap time or find quiet activities for them to enjoy while you study. Try to spend some time with your kids before you study, so they don\u2019t feel like you\u2019re ignoring them. (More tips are offered later in this chapter.)\r\n\r\nThe key is to plan ahead. You don\u2019t want to find yourself, the night before an exam, in a place that offers no space for studying.\r\n\r\nFinally, accept that sometimes you\u2019ll just have to say no. If your roommate or a friend often tries to engage you in conversation or suggests doing something else when you need to study, just say no. Learn to be firm but polite as you explain that you just <em class=\"im_emphasis\">really<\/em> have to get your work done first. Students who live at home may also have to learn how to say no to parents or family members\u2014just be sure to explain the importance of the studying you need to do! Remember, you can\u2019t be everything to everyone all the time.\r\n<div class=\"post-355 chapter type-chapter status-publish hentry type-1\">\r\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\r\n<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n<div class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\r\n<h3>KEY TAKEAWAYs<\/h3>\r\n<section>\r\n<div data-type=\"note\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Where you study can have a huge impact on the effectiveness of your study efforts. Choose and organize your space to your advantage.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>How you control your study space can help you prevent distractions, especially those caused by other people or your personal technology.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Attempting to multitask while studying diminishes the quality of your study time and results in a loss of time.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Control your study space to prevent or manage potential interruptions from family members or roommates.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\"><\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>EXERCISES<\/h3>\r\n<ol>\r\n\t<li>For each of the following statements, circle T for true or F for false:\r\n<div class=\"im_informaltable\">\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>Your bed is usually a good place to study if you can keep the room quiet.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>To study well, use the most drab, boring place you can find.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>An empty classroom can be a good place to get some studying done if you happen to have an hour free between classes.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>To maintain a clear focus while studying, limit the time you spend checking for e-mail and text messages to every ten minutes or so. Put your cell phone on vibrate mode and keep it in your pocket where you can more easily ignore it.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>It\u2019s OK to have the television or radio on while you study as long as you don\u2019t give it your full attention.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>T<\/td>\r\n<td>F<\/td>\r\n<td>The key to avoiding interruptions and distractions from family members or roommates is to plan ahead for when and where you\u2019ll study.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div><\/li>\r\n\t<li>Class discussion exercise: Share stories about distractions caused by roommates and others that you and other students have experienced. Brainstorm together how to handle similar situations next time they arise.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"im_section\">\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_n01\" class=\"im_learning_objectives im_editable im_block\">\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h3>LEARNING OBJECTIVES<\/h3>\n<p>By the end of this section, you will be able to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Recognize the importance of organizing your space to your best advantage for studying.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid distractions in the space where you are studying.<\/li>\n<li>Understand the myth of multitasking and prevent distractions from your personal technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\"><\/div>\n<p>Now that you\u2019ve worked up an attitude for success and are feeling motivated, it\u2019s time to get organized. You need to organize both your space and your time.<a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess2xmaster\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/440\/2015\/02\/2287862388_fa35133d47_o.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-478\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1230\/2015\/11\/03013751\/2287862388_fa35133d47_o-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"2287862388_fa35133d47_o\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" \/><\/a>Space is important for many reasons\u2014some obvious, some less so. People\u2019s moods, attitudes, and levels of work productivity change in different spaces. Learning to use space to your own advantage helps get you off to a good start in your studies. Here are a few of the ways space matters:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_l02\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Everyone needs his or her own space.<\/strong> This may seem simple, but everyone needs some physical area, regardless of size, that is really his or her own\u2014even if it\u2019s only a small part of a shared space. Within your own space, you generally feel more secure and in control.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Physical space reinforces habits.<\/strong> For example, using your bed primarily for sleeping makes it easier to fall asleep there than elsewhere and also makes it not a good place to try to stay awake and alert for studying.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Different places create different moods.<\/strong> While this may seem obvious, students don\u2019t always use places to their best advantage. One place may be bright and full of energy, with happy students passing through and enjoying themselves\u2014a place that puts you in a good mood. But that may actually make it more difficult to concentrate on your studying. Yet the opposite\u2014a totally quiet, austere place devoid of color and sound and pleasant decorations\u2014can be just as unproductive if it makes you associate studying with something unpleasant. Everyone needs to discover what space works best for himself or herself\u2014and then let that space reinforce good study habits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Use Space to Your Advantage and to Avoid Distractions<\/h2>\n<p>Begin by analyzing your needs, preferences, and past problems with places for studying. Where do you usually study? What are the best things about that place for studying? What distractions are most likely to occur there?<\/p>\n<p>The goal is to find, or create, the best place for studying, and then to use it regularly so that studying there becomes a good habit.<\/p>\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s01_l01\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Choose a place you can associate with studying.<\/strong> Make sure it\u2019s not a place already associated with other activities (eating, watching television, sleeping, etc.). Over time, the more often you study in this space, the stronger will be its association with studying, so that eventually you\u2019ll be completely focused as soon as you reach that place and begin.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Your study area should be available whenever you need it.<\/strong> If you want to use your home, apartment, or dorm room but you never know if another person may be there and possibly distract you, then it\u2019s probably better to look for another place, such as a study lounge or an area in the library. Look for locations open at the hours when you may be studying. You may also need two study spaces\u2014one in or near where you live, another on campus. Maybe you study best at home but have an hour free between two classes, and the library is too far away to use for only an hour? Look for a convenient empty classroom.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s01_l02\" class=\"im_itemizedlist im_editable im_block\">\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Your study space should meet your study needs.<\/strong> An open desk or table surface usually works best for writing, and you\u2019ll tire quickly if you try to write notes sitting in an easy chair (which might also make you sleepy). You need good light for reading, to avoid tiring from eyestrain. If you use a laptop for writing notes or reading and researching, you need a power outlet so you don\u2019t have to stop when your battery runs out.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Your study space should meet your psychological needs.<\/strong> Some students may need total silence with <a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess2xmaster\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/440\/2015\/04\/enclosed-bench.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-522\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1230\/2015\/11\/03013752\/enclosed-bench.jpg\" alt=\"Person sitting in covered bench space\" width=\"240\" height=\"207\" \/><\/a>absolutely no visual distractions; they may find a perfect study carrel hidden away on the fifth floor in the library. Other students may be unable to concentrate for long without looking up from reading and momentarily letting their eyes move over a pleasant scene. Some students may find it easier to stay motivated when surrounded by other students also studying; they may find an open space in the library or a study lounge with many tables spread out over an area. Experiment to find the setting that works best for you\u2014and remember that the more often you use <em class=\"im_emphasis\">this same space<\/em>, the more comfortable and effective your studying will become.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">You may need the support of others to maintain your study space.<\/strong> Students living at home, whether with a spouse and children or with their parents, often need the support of family members to maintain an effective study space. The kitchen table probably isn\u2019t best if others pass by frequently. Be creative, if necessary, and set up a card table in a quiet corner of your bedroom or elsewhere to avoid interruptions. Put a \u201cdo not disturb\u201d sign on your door.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Keep your space organized and free of distractions.<\/strong> You want to prevent sudden impulses to neaten up the area (when you should be studying), do laundry, wash dishes, and so on. Unplug a nearby telephone, turn off your cell phone, and use your computer only as needed for studying. If your e-mail or message program pops up a notice every time an e-mail or message arrives, turn off your Wi-Fi or detach the network cable to prevent those intrusions.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Plan for breaks.<\/strong> Everyone needs to take a break occasionally when studying. Think about the space you\u2019re in and how to use it when you need a break. If in your home, stop and do a few exercises to get your blood flowing. If in the library, take a walk up a couple flights of stairs and around the stacks before returning to your study area.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Prepare for human interruptions.<\/strong> Even if you hide in the library to study, there\u2019s a chance a friend may happen by. At home with family members or in a dorm room or common space, the odds increase greatly. Have a plan ready in case someone pops in and asks you to join them in some fun activity. Know when you plan to finish your studying so that you can make a plan for later\u2014or for tomorrow at a set time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">The Distractions of Technology<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">Multitasking<\/span><\/span> is the term commonly used for being engaged in two or more different activities at the same time, usually referring to activities using devices such as cell phones, smartphones, computers, and so on. Many people claim to be able to do as many as four or five things simultaneously, such as writing an e-mail while responding to an instant message (IM) and reading a tweet, all while watching a video on their computer monitor or talking on the phone. Many people who have grown up with computers consider this kind of multitasking a normal way to get things done, including studying. Even people in business sometimes speak of multitasking as an essential component of today\u2019s fast-paced world.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess2xmaster\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/440\/2015\/04\/tvs.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-523\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1230\/2015\/11\/03013753\/tvs-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Multiple television sets\" width=\"254\" height=\"191\" \/><\/a>It is true that <em class=\"im_emphasis\">some<\/em> things can be attended to while you\u2019re doing something else, such as checking e-mail while you watch television news\u2014but only when none of those things demands your full attention. You can concentrate 80 percent on the e-mail, for example, while 20 percent of your attention is listening for something on the news that catches your attention. Then you turn to the television for a minute, watch that segment, and go back to the e-mail. But you\u2019re not actually watching the television <em class=\"im_emphasis\">at the same time<\/em> you\u2019re composing the e-mail\u2014you\u2019re rapidly going back and forth. In reality, the mind can focus only on one thing at any given moment. Even things that don\u2019t require much thinking are severely impacted by multitasking, such as driving while talking on a cell phone or texting. An astonishing number of people end up in the emergency room from just trying to walk down the sidewalk while texting, so common is it now to walk into a pole or parked car while multitasking!<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOkay,\u201d you might be thinking, \u201cwhy should it matter if I write my paper first and then answer e-mails or do them back and forth at the same time?\u201d <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">It actually takes you longer to do two or more things at the same time than if you do them separately<\/strong>\u2014at least with anything that you actually have to focus on, such as studying. That\u2019s true because each time you go back to studying after looking away to a message or tweet, it takes time for your mind to shift gears to get back to where you were. Every time your attention shifts, add up some more \u201cdowntime\u201d\u2014and pretty soon it\u2019s evident that multitasking is costing you a lot more time than you think. And that\u2019s assuming that your mind <em class=\"im_emphasis\">does<\/em> fully shift back to where you were every time, without losing your train of thought or forgetting an important detail. It doesn\u2019t always.<\/p>\n<p>The other problem with multitasking is the effect it can have on the attention span\u2014and even on how the brain works. Scientists have shown that in people who constantly shift their attention from one thing to another in short bursts, the brain forms patterns that make it more difficult to keep sustained attention on any one thing. So when you really do need to concentrate for a while on one thing, such as when studying for a big test, it becomes more difficult to do even if you\u2019re not multitasking at that time. It\u2019s as if your mind makes a habit of wandering from one thing to another and then can\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n<p>So stay away from multitasking whenever you have something important to do, like studying. If it\u2019s already a habit for you, don\u2019t let it become worse. Manipulate your study space to prevent the temptations altogether. Turn your computer off\u2014or shut down e-mail and messaging programs if you need the computer for studying. Turn your cell phone off\u2014if you just tell yourself not to answer it but still glance at it each time to see who sent or left a message, you\u2019re still losing your studying momentum and have to start over again. For those who are really addicted to technology (you know who you are!), go to the library and don\u2019t take your laptop or cell phone.<\/p>\n<p>In the later section in this chapter on scheduling your study periods, we recommend scheduling breaks as well, usually for a few minutes every hour. If you\u2019re really hooked on checking for messages, plan to do that at scheduled times.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/collegesuccess2xmaster\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/440\/2015\/04\/headphones.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-full wp-image-524\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images-archive-read-only\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1230\/2015\/11\/03013755\/headphones.jpg\" alt=\"Man wearing headphones looking down\" width=\"240\" height=\"160\" \/><\/a>What about listening to music while studying? Some don\u2019t consider that multitasking, and many students say they can listen to music without it affecting their studying. Studies are inconclusive about the positive or negative effects of music on people\u2019s ability to concentrate, probably because so many different factors are involved. But there\u2019s a huge difference between listening to your favorite CD and spontaneously singing along with some of the songs and enjoying soft background music that enhances your study space the same way as good lighting and pleasant d\u00e9cor. Some people can study better with low-volume instrumental music that relaxes them and does not intrude on their thinking, while others can concentrate only in silence. And some are so used to being immersed in music and the sounds of life that they find <em class=\"im_emphasis\">total<\/em> silence more distracting\u2014such people can often study well in places where people are moving around. The key thing is to be honest with yourself: if you\u2019re <em class=\"im_emphasis\">actively<\/em> listening to music while you\u2019re studying, then you\u2019re likely not studying as well as you could be. It will take you longer and lead to less successful results.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"lochhaas-ch02_s02_s03\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Family and Roommate Issues<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes going to the library or elsewhere is not practical for studying, and you have to find a way to cope in a shared space.<\/p>\n<p>Part of the solution is time management. Agree with others on certain times that will be reserved for studying; agree to keep the place quiet, not to have guests visiting, and to prevent other distractions. These arrangements can be made with a roommate, spouse, and older children. If there are younger children in your household and you have child-care responsibility, it\u2019s usually more complicated. You may have to schedule your studying during their nap time or find quiet activities for them to enjoy while you study. Try to spend some time with your kids before you study, so they don\u2019t feel like you\u2019re ignoring them. (More tips are offered later in this chapter.)<\/p>\n<p>The key is to plan ahead. You don\u2019t want to find yourself, the night before an exam, in a place that offers no space for studying.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, accept that sometimes you\u2019ll just have to say no. If your roommate or a friend often tries to engage you in conversation or suggests doing something else when you need to study, just say no. Learn to be firm but polite as you explain that you just <em class=\"im_emphasis\">really<\/em> have to get your work done first. Students who live at home may also have to learn how to say no to parents or family members\u2014just be sure to explain the importance of the studying you need to do! Remember, you can\u2019t be everything to everyone all the time.<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-355 chapter type-chapter status-publish hentry type-1\">\n<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<div class=\"im_section\">\n<div class=\"im_section\">\n<div class=\"im_key_takeaways im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<h3>KEY TAKEAWAYs<\/h3>\n<section>\n<div data-type=\"note\">\n<ul>\n<li>Where you study can have a huge impact on the effectiveness of your study efforts. Choose and organize your space to your advantage.<\/li>\n<li>How you control your study space can help you prevent distractions, especially those caused by other people or your personal technology.<\/li>\n<li>Attempting to multitask while studying diminishes the quality of your study time and results in a loss of time.<\/li>\n<li>Control your study space to prevent or manage potential interruptions from family members or roommates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"im_title\"><\/h3>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>EXERCISES<\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li>For each of the following statements, circle T for true or F for false:\n<div class=\"im_informaltable\">\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>Your bed is usually a good place to study if you can keep the room quiet.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>To study well, use the most drab, boring place you can find.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>An empty classroom can be a good place to get some studying done if you happen to have an hour free between classes.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>To maintain a clear focus while studying, limit the time you spend checking for e-mail and text messages to every ten minutes or so. Put your cell phone on vibrate mode and keep it in your pocket where you can more easily ignore it.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>It\u2019s OK to have the television or radio on while you study as long as you don\u2019t give it your full attention.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>T<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<td>The key to avoiding interruptions and distractions from family members or roommates is to plan ahead for when and where you\u2019ll study.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>Class discussion exercise: Share stories about distractions caused by roommates and others that you and other students have experienced. Brainstorm together how to handle similar situations next time they arise.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-94\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Desk-CRW 8337. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Anton Olson. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/secure.flickr.com\/photos\/46765100@N00\/2287862388\">https:\/\/secure.flickr.com\/photos\/46765100@N00\/2287862388<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Success in College. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: anonymous. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/\">http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Image of person at covered table. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Michael Coghlan. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/c5cj3G\">https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/c5cj3G<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Image of televisions. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Stephen Coles. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/4TFN3P\">https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/4TFN3P<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Image of man with headphones. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Thomas Hawk. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/fYci6X\">https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/fYci6X<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":277,"menu_order":4,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Desk-CRW 8337\",\"author\":\"Anton Olson\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.flickr.com\/photos\/46765100@N00\/2287862388\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by\",\"license_terms\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Success in 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Hawk\",\"organization\":\"\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/flic.kr\/p\/fYci6X\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-94","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":80,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/94","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/277"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/94\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":475,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/94\/revisions\/475"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/80"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/94\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=94"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=94"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/zelixsdv100xmaster\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=94"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}