During discussion earlier in the day I explained that I thought dealing with complex text in an unbroken and unbothered focused manner was a taught behavior. I said that when I was younger, my parents would always have me go to my room and sit at my desk to do homework. I was not allowed to have my television on or have any distractions in the room with me. Only when I had completed my homework could I turn on a radio, T.V. or computer. This was the way I did my homework for many years because my parents had taught me to do so. It became difficult for me to complete work somewhere other than a peaceful quiet area.
Now that I am sitting here attempting to write this blog, I have realized that I have stopped to answer a text message or a phone call a hand full of times. I am still in my room and it is quiet, but I have added a few distractions. This digital interaction has managed to work its way into my workspace despite what I had been taught by my parents. I know that I would have completed this assignment long ago if I could just stop multitasking and focus on my work. This digital interference is a caught behavior. It is a behavior learned from the culture and society we live in today. I do believe that I have learned the correct way to complete assignments and work through complex text in a focused way, I just choose not to use the tools I have learned. I can't help but to keep my phone and other digital devices close to me and if I had my way, I would have had a facebook tab open while writing this as well...
Lauren, this is so true. Students don't know the best ways to study and even when they are told to have a quiet place to study they don't always follow through. It is wonderful that you had someone in your life that forced you into making good habits.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes struggle with my students. I work in an urban community and hearing about some of their home environments I am discouraged. Sometimes a quiet place to study just isn't practical in their homes. If you had any ideas about how to help students in urban communities understand the importance of creating a good study environment, I would love to hear them!