A majority of smartphone owners surveyed in a 2015 Pew Research Center study admitted using text messaging, voice and video calls, internet and email the most on their cellphone.
Like many students, Morgan Matteson says she is easily distracted by her cellphone and other electronic devices.
During finals week, those distractions can be especially debilitating for students studying for exams.
“We definitely see more students coming in around finals week,” Jenny Sweitzer, a graduate assistant at the Allen Student Advising Center, said. “During this time we have extended walk-in hours.”
Students today are faced with many distractions on their cell phones and laptops when studying, including the use of social media, such as Twitter and Instagram, as well as texting and visiting various websites.
A majority of smartphone owners surveyed in a 2015 Pew Research Center study admitted using text messaging, voice and video calls, internet and email the most on their cellphone. The same study also found 46 percent of smartphone users said their cellphone is something “they couldn’t live without.”
“I spend about five to six hours on my phone a day,” Matteson, a freshman studying nursing, said.
Although some students have a problem being distracted by their phones, many develop habits to prevent procrastination when studying.
Brooklyn Bungard, a freshman studying retail merchandising, said she often physically distances herself from her phone in order to prevent being distracted.
“I am usually distracted by social media,” Bungard said. “When I am studying I usually leave my phone in my room and study in my common area, so I am not distracted by it.”
Other students use their phones as a tool to help them study.
“I listen to music on my phone when I study,” said Taylor Coughlin, a freshman studying biology pre-med. “Music helps me focus when I am studying.”
Time-management applications can also be a resource to help students focus on any given task. Applications such as, Pomodoro Pro - Work & Break Timer, utilize the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks up work into 25 minute intervals separated by short breaks, according to a study on the technique from the University of California, San Diego.
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The university also provides resources for students to help with their study habits through the Allen Student Advising Center, located on the fourth floor of Baker Center, and the Academic Advancement Center, located on the first floor of Alden Library.
“We provide students with a program called academic coaching,” Sweitzer said. “With an academic coach, students meet with their coach on a weekly basis to develop good habits and study skills, as well as time management and how to take an exam.”
The Academic Advancement Center also provides resources including tutoring, a writing center and handouts available on their website. The handouts help students study by providing a printable study schedule, test taking tips and a GPA calculator, among other resources.
“Students should completely turn off Wi-Fi, put their phone on silent or do not disturb and put it away when studying,” Sweitzer said.
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