Tool for the Field: Sharing a Study Environment Checklist with a Student

Purpose

Share this checklist with a student. Sharing it will give you a chance to talk with the student about study habits and study environments.

Procedures

  1. Identify a student with whom you feel comfortable. It might be a student in a class you work with. It might be a young person whom you know personally.
  2. Share the checklist (included below) with the student.
  3. Ask the student to give honest answers about habits and environments.

Discuss the answers. Talk about study habits or environments that might be improved. Talk about what the improvements would be.

Study Habit or Condition

Self-Rating

I do not watch TV during study time.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I use my phone ONLY for music or as a calculator during study time.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I study sitting upright, facing a wall.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I find someplace quiet to study, even putting up a “do not disturb” sign.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I have a few study spots that are “mine.”

Yes

Sometimes

No

I keep a calming mechanism nearby, whether it’s a bottle of water or a worry stone to rub when I’m frustrated.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I do not talk on the phone after bedtime.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I eat fresh fruits and veggies twice a day, and drink lots of water.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I take breaks every 25-45 minutes to regain focus.

Yes

Sometimes

No

During breaks from studying I do something quick, fun, and physical; or I eat a cold snack.

Yes

Sometimes

No

I have a reward system in place: after a good study session, I reward myself by watching a favorite TV show or eating a snack.

Yes

Sometimes

No