Did you know that the environment where you study can be as influential as the hours you invest in your learning? What if the key to unlocking your full potential as an adult learner lies not just in what you study, but in where and how you study?
The difference between learning as an adult and the formal education that we receive when we are young is that you get to take control. Your learning is your responsibility. Not your teachers, your partner, or your classmates.
Your learning environment is more than just the physical space where you study. It’s a complex blend of the right physical setting, emotional support, and structured habits. By paying attention to these elements, you can create a space that not only motivates you but also enhances your capacity to learn and absorb information.
Let's discover how crafting the right learning environment can transform your study experience.
“We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn”.
Peter Drucker - management consultant, educator, and author, whose writings contributed to the foundations of modern management theory.
Your Physical Environment
Surroundings
Your physical space can set the tone for your learning. A cluttered, noisy environment may distract you, while a quiet, organized space can enhance your concentration.
Consider the ergonomics of your workspace. Is your chair comfortable? Is your computer at eye level to prevent strain? Small adjustments can prevent discomfort and keep your focus sharp.
Mood and Motivation
Your environment influences your emotional state.
Ever noticed how certain colours, like blues and greens, make you feel calmer?
Incorporating elements that uplift your mood can boost your motivation. Personalize your study area with items that make you feel comfortable and inspired, such as plants, inspirational quotes, or even a background playlist of your favourite study music.
Technology Issues
Online learning heavily relies on technology, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
Ensure that your tech setup supports your learning needs - this includes a reliable internet connection, necessary software, and appropriate hardware. Regularly updating your systems can prevent frustrating disruptions and help maintain a smooth learning experience.
Your emotional environment
Previous Learning Experiences
Your past learning experiences can influence how you set up your study environment now. Reflect on what has previously worked for you and what hasn’t. Did a busy coffee shop boost your energy, or did it distract you? Use these insights to recreate successful environments or to avoid past mistakes.
How do you feel about your schooldays? Was it a positive experience? Or did it negatively impact your learning? If so, you might still be carrying those associations, and that could affect your attitude to learning without you realising.
Are you Results Driven?
Your approach to learning can also be driven by your goals. Are you studying for career advancement, personal growth, or to achieve certification?
Understanding what drives you can help tailor your environment to keep you motivated. For example, if you're result-driven, keeping visual reminders of your goals or progress charts can be motivating and help push you towards your goals.
Community
Even as an online learner, community is key. Interacting with fellow learners can provide moral support and enhance understanding of complex topics. Join study groups, participate in forum discussions, or connect with peers over social media. This network can form an integral part of your learning environment.
Our Ford Learning Book Club, which launched earlier this year, has been a great way to bring people together in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Managing Expectations
Setting realistic expectations for your studies can alleviate stress and enhance your learning effectiveness.
It’s important to balance ambition with practicality—overloading your schedule can lead to burnout while setting it too light might slow your progress. Manage your expectations with structured goals and regular reviews of your study plan.
Constructive Feedback
Feedback is a pivotal part of the learning process.
In an online environment, it might come from peers, instructors, or even automated systems. Create a space where you can review feedback constructively; this might mean having a specific time to review comments or a physical notebook where you keep feedback and action items together.
Back-to-school anxiety
Returning to education as an adult can often bring a wave of 'back to school anxiety,' the idiom 'teaching an old dog new tricks' comes to mind. Stepping into a classroom - whether virtual or physical—after years in a different life role can feel daunting and unfamiliar. However, this experience can also be incredibly rejuvenating.
Adult learners bring a wealth of life experience that can enrich their learning process. Embracing this phase with a mindset that it's never too late to learn new skills can transform anxiety into achievement. Remember, adaptability and curiosity are traits that defy age, opening doors to continuous growth and learning.
Your habits
Time Management and Structure
As an adult learner, you likely juggle study with work or family commitments. Designing a structured schedule that aligns with your personal and professional life can help you manage time effectively.
Use tools like digital calendars or planners to carve out dedicated study times, ensuring you're learning when you're most alert and efficient.
Autonomy
One of the greatest benefits of adult learning is autonomy. You have the power to choose not only when and what you study but also where you study. This freedom allows you to tailor your environment in ways that align with your personal learning preferences, which can lead to a more effective and enjoyable learning experience.
Resistance to Change
Sometimes, sticking to old habits feels easier than creating new ones. However, adapting your learning environment to better suit your current needs can lead to improved study habits.
If you’ve always studied in silence, maybe it’s time to try some light instrumental music. Experiment to find what best suits your learning style.
Learning Style
Each person has a unique way of learning that suits them best, whether it's visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinaesthetic. Tailor your learning environment to suit your style. For visual learners, having charts and diagrams can help. Auditory learners might benefit from listening to lectures or discussions, while kinaesthetic learners should incorporate movement or hands-on activities into their study routines.
Effective learning
Remember, the key to effective learning is not just about adapting to the environment but also about adapting the environment to fit yor personal learning needs. Each step you take to enhance your study space is a step towards more effective and enjoyable learning. So, embrace the power of a well-tuned learning environment, and watch as it transforms your educational experience!
Your perfect learning environment won’t come together overnight. It will evolve as you do, adapting to your needs and preferences. So, take the time to experiment and find what truly works for you, turning every study session into a stepping stone towards success.
Your Personal Study Environment Checklist
Using this checklist can help you systematically improve your study environment, ensuring it supports your educational goals effectively. By addressing each point, you can create a tailored environment that enhances both your learning efficiency and enjoyment.
Take an honest look at your starting position. Ask yourself questions about what you want to achieve. Then think about how you're going to get there. Then work out a plan of action to get you close to your goals.
1. Regular review Go through this checklist at the start of each new learning phase.
2. Tick off Check each item as you confirm it.
3. Adjust Make necessary adjustments based on unchecked items to optimize your study success.
Download our Learning Environment checklist here
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Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching you can find her at the cricket researching new blog ideas, she also loves to cook, to travel, and to share her passion for learning with others.
