Creating a Viable Study Environment for Students
Homework has never been a popular activity among students of any age, but most of them accept the fact that it is a necessary part of their formal schooling. However, many parents do not understand the need to create an appropriate learning environment in the home, so that their children’s homework can be completed effectively. Many students view their homework assignments as casual tasks that can be quickly dispensed with while they eat supper or watch TV, and too many parents allow it to happen. This is unfortunate, because an appropriate environment is essential to effective learning. By adopting good study habits at home, students can achieve remarkable success at school.
High school students are frequently required to study, make notes, or wade through a variety of reading material at home, as well as having to complete writing assignments that may include charts and diagrams. This kind of work cannot be done to an acceptable standard, if students undertake the task while listening to loud music and lounging in a soft chair. Homework becomes a useless exercise when it is done under these circumstances, and students miss a valuable opportunity to summarize and mentally absorb the work that was introduced during their day at school. It is essential to establish an acceptable learning environment at home.
Educators generally agree that an appropriate study environment in the home should be similar to a test environment at school. This may not always be practical, but at least some of the basic essentials can be implemented. A desk or table with a firm chair is considered necessary for a good work environment, and it is also very important to ensure good, direct lighting. All distractions must be removed from the scene, and the student needs to commit to 30 minutes or more, depending upon his or her age. If the objectives of the assignment are clearly identified, it will be easier to complete the task in time allotted.
A child’s physical condition is also relevant to the homework situation. A regular healthy diet is needed to ensure healthy mental development, and fixed meal times are an added benefit. School work and study can be done before or after dinner, but if a child is hungry, or tired, or requires a restroom break, not much will be accomplished until these needs are met. Once ready to begin, students should ensure good posture and a comfortable position in order to complete their work to the best of their ability.
Most students do manage to involve themselves in a good deal of strenuous exercise through the team games and other physical activities they encounter at school. Educators are unanimous in agreeing that vigorous exercise is essential to academic success. But this can apply to homework as well. If students are able to participate in neighborhood outdoor games after school, they are in a far better position to undertake desk work later.
Parents want to see their children doing well at school, and they realize that homework is a good way sum up a day’s work. They can help greatly by showing an interest in the assignments brought home from school and by checking their children’s completed work. Parents can provide their best contribution, however, by ensuring a good learning environment, and by making sure that their children understand its importance.
