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What makes a workspace work?
Location A good workspace is a private, quiet and comfortable area, free from distractions , like television, people talking, stereos, phones, or video games. It doesn’t have to be a big area, but it should be a place you have relatively to yourself, so you can leave items like books, papers and projects on your desk, without fear of them being messed with or thrown out. It could be located in your bedroom, attic, basement, den – anywhere in your home, as long as it’s private and comfortable . If you can’t find a space at home, consider going to the public library several times a week to do your homework. You won’t be allowed to leave your stuff on the table, but the library does provide a comfortable, distraction-free workspace. If you’re distracted by noise, consider getting a set of noise canceling headphones, a white noise machine, or a small tabletop fountain, which are inexpensive and can be found at most office supply stores. Be aware of the amount of time your mobile device distracts you from your work by texting, checking Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. Consider turning off your device while you are working or even leaving it out of the room. Desktop Give yourself enough space to work comfortably. A desktop surface should be large enough to hold an open textbook and binder—so at least 18” deep and 30” wide and/or a computer, laptop or tablet. A straight-backed and comfortable chair is a must. PRODUCT PREVIEW Your workspace can be located anywhere in your house, as long as it’s private and comfortable.
Lighting Lighting is so important to human productivity that there is even a special field of ergonomics devoted to it. It’s called light ergonomics and it’s the study of the relationship between the light source and the individual. Poor lighting has been found to cause all sorts of problems including low productivity, high error rates, headache, lack of mental alertness and general yuckiness . Poor lighting has even been found to slow neuron function, which has a direct effect on learning . Even if you have a good overhead ceiling light, consider adding task lighting, like a desktop lamp. Position the lamp so that the light falls directly on the page or computer keyboard, without creating a glare or a shadow. Try out different bulb wattages or even light filters to figure out what works best for you. If you’re feeling drowsy when you study, low lighting could definitely be the culprit.
Light ergonomics is the study of how people react to light.
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THE 21st CENTURY STUDENT’S GUIDE TO STUDY SKILLS
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