Every student is different in their studying habits – some prefer quiet and private spaces, others work best in groups or with friends. All methods have their pros and cons, but ultimately work for everyone differently. 

Different types of environments can enhance someone’s ability to learn. Physical, physiological, and emotional environments are all things to consider when trying to retain information. 

A physical environment represents the tangible things in a room – the lighting, sounds, temperature, and resources are all material things that can impact learning. The physical environment can also include furniture. Some people prefer a desk that is slightly uncomfortable to keep them focused and work more quickly. “I work best at my desk because I’m in the position that I would’ve been at school,” said Meghan Lamm, junior.

The psychological aspect of an environment involves the feeling of safety in the space. According to WGU, “A positive psychological environment is one where learners feel safe to take risks. Learning inherently involves making mistakes; if the psychological environment is punitive or overly critical, students will retreat and avoid participating.” 

A positive psychological environment can look different for many people. Addison Brockman, junior, studies best “in the quiet, outside, with one or two people,” using support from friends to keep her motivated. By working with other people, it’s easier to keep each other accountable and on task when studying for long periods of time. 

Lastly is the emotional environment, which deals with the interpersonal relationship between the person and the space. How a student feels in a learning or studying environment is essential to their focus and participation. If a student is uncomfortable, it may be hard to concentrate, compared to a student who is relaxed and engaged. 

As final exam season approaches at Leesville, think harder about your studying environment, as it can have a bigger impact on how you retain the information than you realize.