When a student struggles to concentrate on homework, prepare for an upcoming test, or finish a project, our first instinct is that they simply need better time management, study habits, or to exercise greater self-discipline. But the issue may not be just how hard they’re trying; it might be where they’re trying.
In her book, Situated: Find the People and Places That Bring Out Your Best, psychologist and University of Pennsylvania professor Angela Duckworth explores how our surroundings influence our thoughts, behaviors, and ability to achieve our goals. Her research challenges the idea that success and achievement are simply a product of willpower. Instead, she argues that the life circumstances we have control of can have a major impact on our ability to achieve our short- and long-term goals.
For students, this means something as simple as changing where and when they study could make a meaningful difference in their academic performance.
Does the Environment Impact How Effective Studying Is?
Yes, the physical space where your student chooses to study impacts their ability to complete work and retain information. Studying and homework require a significant amount of sustained attention to retain information and work through challenging material. If your student is working in an environment that is distracting or uncomfortable, it will make every task more difficult to complete.
Consider your workday. How difficult is it to resist checking your phone at your office when it’s sitting right next to you? Even if your student has every intention of finishing their homework, studying, or making progress on an essay, a single text or social media notification will pull away their attention.
Duckworth explores this issue in Situated, noting that the setup of our environment impacts our decisions often without us even noticing. Rather than relying on willpower to ignore distractions, Duckworth argues that it’s more effective to focus on creating situations that make positive behaviors easier. Essentially, we can change our surroundings to minimize the impact of these distractions. A thoughtfully designed study space can help students concentrate better, stay organized, and be more productive with their time.
What Should a Study Environment Look Like?
The good news is that creating a better environment for studying doesn’t require expensive furniture or a complete bedroom makeover. Small, intentional changes can help students create surroundings that encourage good habits. Here are five ways to get started crafting that space:
1. Pick a Dedicated Spot
One of the easiest ways to improve concentration is to establish a designated place for studying. This could be a desk in a bedroom or a quiet corner of the kitchen.
Have you ever heard that you shouldn’t eat or watch TV in bed because you don’t want to associate that space with something other than winding down for the night? A consistent study location helps students in the same way. Over time, they will associate a location with learning, so just sitting down at that spot will become an internal cue that it’s time to focus.
If studying at home isn’t working, encourage your student to consider other locations. A library, coffee shop, or study area at school can provide them with a distraction-free place to focus on their schoolwork.
2. Remove Distractions Before They Become a Problem
A central idea in Situated is that it’s often easier to avoid temptation than to resist it. That is particularly true when it comes to technology and studying. The temptation to look up an online store or watch a streamer is always right there for students because most of their assignments are either done on the computer or rely on it heavily.
Instead of expecting students to just ignore these distraction, a study space should make them less accessible. Have your student put their phone in another room. Get them to close unnecessary browser tabs. Ask them to silence notifications on their laptop or tablet.
Realistically, your student can’t avoid technology altogether when they’re studying. Instead, your student should consider how intentional choices can keep technology from being a continuous distraction while they’re learning.
3. Keep Study Materials Organized and Accessible
A cluttered workspace can make it difficult to concentrate. Students lose valuable time and interrupt their focus when they have to search for what they need to do their homework when they sit down.
Before beginning their study session, your student should gather everything they need to complete their assignments. It is also helpful to keep their workspace relatively clean and organized. Decluttering the space reduces visual distractions and keeps them from getting sidetracked if they decide to tidy up real quick.
A little preparation can go a long way toward making study time more efficient.
4. Pay Attention to Lighting, Noise, and Comfort
The physical characteristics of a study space can also influence how effectively students work, especially if your student has a learning difference.
Poor lighting causes eye strain and fatigue. An uncomfortable chair or room temperature will make it difficult to concentrate for extended periods. Loud noises in the surroundings can be overstimulating.
Whenever possible, students should find a space with adequate light where the temperature isn’t too hot or cold. It should have a comfortable place to sit with enough room to spread out their materials. While some students prefer complete silence, some need instrumental music or background noise.
If your student isn’t sure what environment will work for them, encourage them to experiment to find what works best for them.
5. Surround Yourself With People Who Encourage Good Habits
Duckworth’s book considers factors that extend beyond physical surroundings. She emphasizes the influence of peers, mentors, and the broader social culture on our behavior.
The people around your student can have a significant impact on their academic habits. Working on homework alongside a friend who is focused and motivated can help your student stay on task. Similarly, a study group allows every student to hold one another accountable while also providing a space to discuss their questions and get support from their peers.
For some students, the right people make studying feel less isolating and help them stay motivated as they tackle their to-do list.
Small Changes Can Lead to Meaningful Results
While determination and hard work are undeniably crucial as students strive to achieve their goals, their environment can make their efforts more effective. An environment that’s conducive to studying doesn’t guarantee better grades. However, removing unnecessary obstacles and encouraging positive habits give students a better chance to succeed.
Improving academic performance doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes, it means changing the circumstances surrounding the work. By helping your student recognize how their environment is impacting them, parents can help them make intentional adjustments—and give them a valuable strategy for reaching their academic goals.
On top of all this, finals are nearly here, so now is the perfect time to have your student revisit their study habits. Most exams begin on Monday, December 14th, and it’s important to note that current Enrichery families get priority scheduling for finals sessions. If you believe your student would benefit from extra support with finals or their general schoolwork, reach out to The Enrichery as soon as possible about our academic coaching and executive functioning sessions.
