Do you have to sit at a table or desk to be able to study properly?

Question

If you listen to music while you study, does that mean you won't remember anything? Do you have a hard time concentrating when you try to study the "right" way?

Answer 1

Hello,

Different individuals have different ways of learning and retaining information. Through trial and error, students can try studying at different surroundings to determine what works best for their learning style. There are people who prefer to study in groups, people who focus best when studying alone, and people who can study with background music.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

This is totally your call! Sometimes sitting at a table/desk reminds people of being in "work mode." Other times, spreading all of your materials out on the floor in front of you is a great way to see everything and focus. Wherever your body feels the most productive!

Answer 3

Hello,

I do think there are many people that need reduced distractions due to sensory overload when they are trying to concentrate. For myself, having ADD, I find studying with headphones using triple meter music or binaural beats to be the most helpful in harnessing my attention. For many people with anxiety, ADHD, and other such disorders, sitting at a desk not only prevents concentration, but increases anxiety and magnifies distractions. This is why you begin to see stimming activities such as leg bouncing, pencil tapping, etc. Allowing for music through headphones and kinetic study (studying at a treadmill, sitting on a bouncy ball, etc.) can actually improve study. Trying to force a universal standard for what proper study habits are is myopic and uninformed.

Answer 4

Hi there,

I believe music is preference based when it comes to studying. I do find personally, however, that I am best able to focus with music that does not have any lyrics/words in it. Alternating between the two in time chunking (music/no music) is also helpful to assess your performance.

Answer 5

Hi,

To answer your question from a personal angle: I actually study better when I listen to music. I am an auditory learner and have a real knack for language as well, so listening to song lyrics puts me in a good mood and helps me study and remember what I am learning, reviewing, and writing smoothly! I don't have trouble concentrating when listening to music and subsequently studying "the right way" because I get into the rhythm of the rhythms and melodies of the selected music I am listening to and it helps me develop a studious flow.