Jesse Loewen
ASC Academic Counselor
- Find a quiet area to study (if you can). We realise that not everyone has the option of a quiet place where they can study effectively and avoid distractions in their home. In addition, local coffee shops, libraries and other public areas of gathering have restricted public access for at least the next few weeks. If you can’t close a door, try listening to music or distancing yourself as best as you can to help you in focusing on your tasks.
- Put your phone or device away. It sounds easier said than done and you probably don’t need a scientific study to understand that limiting distractions and time spent on your phone can help you focus. Go ahead and finally use the “do not disturb” function on your Iphone. Leave your phone in another room. Turn the ringer off. Give your device to a member of your household for safe keeping for a certain amount of time. Then, when you take a break, reward yourself by spending 5-10 minutes on your device. Then, repeat the cycle and get back to your studies.
- Break up studying into blocks of time. It can be difficult to sit still, to focus, or to study when there is a lack of structure or significant changes that make an impact such as the ones you have experienced. Use a timer or the timer function on your device (you can put your phone out of reach but still set the timer). Use the timer as a means of structure and commit yourself to studying X amount of time before you quit, stop, or take a break.
- Be somewhere well lit. Try not to study in a dark room. Open some blinds and turn on the lights, or be somewhere where you can read and see what you’re working on. Being in a well lit area can help you stay awake and push through your studies. It might still be a bit cold outside, but the sunshine is near!
- Take care of yourself. We encourage you to take breaks, to stay active and to eat healthy. Drink water. Your brain and your body will repay you over the next few weeks if you can commit to taking care of yourself. Did you have other duties outside of school like work, baby sitting, extra curriculars? If so, given the circumstances, you may have more time in your day than before. Explore a new hobby, give yourself breaks, talk with a friend over the phone.
Action for Today: Commit to study, without distractions or devices present for 10 minutes. Too easy? Try 20 minutes straight. See what you learn about yourself when you set specific parameters. What worked and what didn’t work well? Use a timer or alarm on your phone to keep track of the time and use for your breaks.
For ideas on time management and study and test-taking strategies,
contact the ASC team:
To make an appointment for online tutoring or writing support: tutorcal.goshen.edu To request accommodations for a disability, contact Judy Weaver, jweaver@goshen.edu To request an accountability partner, click here |