How to Study: Stress, Noise and Study Habits
Studying for a test, scenario A:
- A student slouches on the couch in front of the TV, which is on. There is a cell phone open on the coffee table. The student also has iPod ear buds nestled in her lobes, a book propped open on her knees, which are bopping to a bass beat, a vacant stare in her eye.
Studying for a test, scenario B:
- A student sits at a desk. The room is quiet and well lit. There is little distraction—no TV, no computer, no cell phone. Books are open on a desk and student B is focused on his work.
Clearly, student A’s concentration is less than focused on the task at hand, but there may be more wrong here than poor study habits. The increased decibels from the TV, the iPod, and the cell phone may be doing more to increase stress levels than the upcoming test!
A study from the World Health Organization shows that excessive noise is linked to health problems. Physiological changes occur in the body when loud noise is present in the environment that a person may not even be aware of—stress hormones increase, sleep patterns can be disrupted, and ear problems such as tinnitus can develop—all from even small increases in the background noise level.
And you thought that loud noise was just bad for concentration!
Attention all students who study like the student in scenario A: Turn down the volume. Take a deep breath. Reduce your stress. Study, and do it quietly, with little to no distractions—your health and your memory will thank you.
What is the fee of your school?
Hi Harjinder, I’m the centre director for the Coquitlam branch of Oxford Learning. We at Oxford will need to administer our complete Diagnostic Assessment to gain valuable insight into how your child learns. Once the assessment is completed, we will be better able to recommend a solution that will give your child the tools to learn independently. For detailed information on our assessment please visit http://oxfordlearning.com/assessment. The director at your local Oxford Learning will be able to answer your question in regards to fees. I hope this information helps
I agree with this article very much so, I am a 14 year old high school student who just finished exams and didn’t o as well as planned. I agree entirely with you because when I studied i thought it would be ok to study with a little bit of music on and my cell phone was on and you are right they just cause distractions I wish I had read this article earlier. Even though i knew they were distractions its better when you read it and its also better when you are recommended not to do it so thank you and hopefully with all your tips and help I will be able to do better on exams next time
what ever……… man
i agree with i guess all of you. i had a geography test and i got a very low mark i never liked to study much but my parents after they saw the test forced me to study big time. after when i had my next text i got way more than expected. i hope i do better in exams too.
Hi, I recently wrote a new post about a new study habit/trick involving a voice recorder. Perhaps you could link to it or use this study tip for yourself! Thanks, Colby http://colbyolson.wordpress.com/2008/05/27/voice-recording-lecture-notes/
Nice article Colby – thanks for posting.
Well, you talk about QUIET, but there is something more than just be quiet… http://add.about.com/b/2007/09/25/easily-distracted-turn-up-the-noise.htm
This article was read by my mom who tries to find many articles like this and reads it to us. The other ones were long and hard to keep attention to but this one gives me an example of what is right and wrong so the next time I am working i will try not to get distracted and try to keep my grades up.
Thanks for sharing that Jonas – we appreciate the feedback and we’re happy we can help. Best of luck for this school year!
this is just so true, i´m so glad to read this.
Honestly, I think putting ear buds in helps, it limits the distractions outside. People bustling and talking gets distracting. with headphones on playing quiet music I feel less distracted.
I am doing my science fair project on noise and study habits thanks for great idea of handing out ear plugs so the other contestants wont distract the judges and they can quietley focus on my project.
I THINK MUSIC HELPS A LOT. BLOCKS OUT OTHER NOISES THAT WILL KEEP YOU DISTRACTED. STUDYING WHEN IT’S TOO QUIET WILL GET YOU BORED AND LOSE FOCUSE BECAUSE OF THAT.
I entirely would agree with Homeworkiscool.. Having the brain contesting to grasp study infor. while listening to music keeps the mind awake and powerful than just concentrating on study alone, where for the first time would work out but as you continue the study you wouldlose focus. The worst feeling to come across is feeling bored when you see piles of papers or stacks of books lying waiting for you.
practice depends on one another. I prefer studying while listening to slow music just to keep me going till I study the back cover of ma book…
this article was a waste of my time.. you shouldnt be studying how to study. honestly if you spent the amount of time you did reading this and doing something productive like reading a book, text book, playing an INSTRUMEN, or actually studying for your tests, then you wouldnt even have this problem in the first place. Pay attention in class, socialize when you can, study your tail off at home, UNDERSTAND the material your learning about, and get A’s no matter what class(es) your taking. I have a 4.32 GPA taking AP Calc AP Government AP Biology Hon. British Lit and Spanish IV and i have a very attractive girlfriend, a number of best friends, and get at least 9 hrs of sleep every day with doing the school musical, 3 V sports, and my gf. TRUST me study as much as you can, and i guarantee the rewards will be much better than you expected.
im 20 years old
i have noise distraction problem
while studying
and i cant study if i dont hear my voice.
This is a big problem for me and for my roomate
what can i do? can u please help me with some tips?
thank you
mni7?