FALL 2010 FINALS GUIDE
3
STUDYING
Many distractions can present themselves when it comes time to study for finals. The Academic Achievement and Access center advises that students find an environment that limits distractions, and to plan out their studying time.
How to avoid finals distractions
BY VICTORIA PITCHER editor@kansan.com
Finals Week consists of cramming, late nights, and excluding yourself from the world for hours on end to pull off a passing grade for the semester — if you can minimize your distractions.
Taylor Huhn, a freshman from Overland Park, says his biggest distraction is Facebook.
"It's a disease," Huhn said. "I'll check my newsfeed every couple of minutes. [Facebook] is always open ... Always."
According to the Facebook press room, there are more than 500 million active Facebook users, making it an easy way to get off task for almost everyone.
However, John Stratton, an associate
librarian for business and economics, sees students come and go in Anschutz Library and believes Facebook is not only for social networking.
With finals coming up, this popular past time may be something to worry about when it comes time to study. Whether or not you use Facebook, it is still hard to keep on task while studying. "The biggest problem is getting focused in the first place," Huhn said.
"It's an informative tool," Stratton said. "I think a lot of people are using Facebook for other kinds of things as well as socially."
Kristin Scott, the director of the Academic Achievement and Access Center, advises students that environment is important to studying.
"Ideally, you want to study in a place where
you have the least amount of distractions," Scott said. "The atmosphere is very crucial to your being efficient and productive in studying, you need to find that place whether it's a library on campus or a study room in a residence hall."
Scott recommends turning off your cell phone while studying and to choose a place where if you do not need a computer so it is not there to distract you.
"My hall's living room is quiet and comfortable," Huhn said, "It's a good atmosphere for studying."
Students can also reserve rooms in Anschutz or find "quiet zones" within the library.
Scott also advises that students create a study plan to avoid spending too much time on Facebook. Allow time for social networking sites such as Facebook, but keep it in balance
with everything else in the plan.
The Academic Achievement and Access Center offers workshops every semester around finals time to help students prepare. These workshops help students develop a study plan. Students can also schedule an individual appointment with the AAAC. These appointments are free and last one hour.
Another thing for students to remember is to maintain a support system. If you have a roommate, hold each other accountable. It can also be helpful to study in groups.
Most importantly, students must remember to get enough sleep, eat well and exercise in order to maintain their health and lower stress.
- Edited by David Cawthon
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2010
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN