How Does Physical Environment Affect Productivity and Learning

You are studying for hours yet not being able to retain much. Sounds familiar? Well, there could be multiple reasons for this, and the learning environment is definitely one of them. The physical environment is often overlooked as a crucial factor in UCAT preparation, yet it is one of the most crucial things which affects learning outcomes. If you are wondering how to do well in UCAT, you need to make sure you have the right environment because research shows that 16% of one’s academic performance and overall well-being is influenced by the environment.

Physical Surroundings and Productivity – How are They Related?

Here’s everything you need to know about your surroundings before you decide to begin with your UCAT preparation books.

Good Lighting
It has been scientifically proven that natural light keeps us more alert than artificial light. Sitting at a place without any natural light for too long can make you feel uneasy, stressed and sleepy. Also, going through the UCAT testquestions in low or dim light will strain your eyes, while harsh lighting might just give you a headache! More than the physical conditions, lighting plays a great role in affecting your concentration and cognitive functions. Cool white light, with a temperature 6,500K or higher, and warm lights like halogen lamps, are best suited for prolonged periods of concentration.

Comfortable and Stable Temperature

Soaring or falling temperatures are bound to come in the way of your concentration, particularly when you need to focus on complex UCAT preparation. You can only focus for a little while, after which the heat or cold will be the only thing you will be thinking about! Find an area where the temperature is comfortable for your body and eventually your mind too. Make sure the temperature doesn’t keep fluctuating. This will hamper your concentration and make you utterly restless.

Background Noise

Students who have issues keeping their focus steady are usually distracted by even the slightest noise. While solving UCAT past questions, they can lose their focus due to the most ordinary sounds around them, like water dripping from a tap. There are others who cannot retain their focus if the surroundings are too quiet. Try to study at various places, like a library or a park, to see how much sound you can tolerate while trying to go through the UCAT practice books.

Apart from this, get some professional guidance on how to do well in UCAT by enrolling in experienced coaching centers like ICanMed. They also help you with UCAT test questions for free.

Is Group Study Really Effective?

While some students enjoy the solitude and independence of studying alone, many others benefit from the motivation and support group studying offers to crack those tough medical school interview questions. Group study can be effective since some students might have a better grasp on some topics, while others might be adept at other topics. This way the students can help each other and even show one another how to prepare for UCAT in a result-oriented way, quiz each other on UCAT interview questions and so on. Read on to find how group study could be useful.

Advantages of Group Study

Study groups work as an excellent means to fill the gaps in understanding. Here are a few other benefits of collective studying.

1.     Since each individual in the group has unique talents and viewpoints, it becomes a great learning opportunity for all the members. This way, each one can benefit from the knowledge others might have. This can be helpful while solving tough UCAT tests.

2.     Group study could also be a great solution to procrastination. Study groups meet up regularly and at specific times, so there’s no chance of postponing a lesson. When alone, chances are that you get distracted by your phone or just simply feeling lazy.

3.     Studying in a group is a great way to avoid monotony and make UCAT preparation courses a fun activity. Studying alone, without interacting with anyone for hours, can drain your energy. But, being a part of the group makes learning enjoyable and more effective.

4.     When you sit down to study in a group, you find different ways to improve your learning abilities and also sharpen your skills. Each individual has a unique study technique and you come to terms with different learning methods. You are free to incorporate any one of them that works for you.

5.     A big group, working towards the same goal, can be a great support system in times of distress. Joining a study group is a good way to get some motivation and support from fellow students who are also aspiring to crack the UCAT questions.

6.     If you are someone who grasps information solely by listening, study groups can work wonders. Studying with a few others promotes discussion and reading out the concepts aloud for everyone to hear could help you.

Apart from studying with peers, you can also enroll yourself in reputed institutes like ICanMed for professional help from experienced mentors on UCAT prep and medical school interview questions.

How Outdoor Activities Can Help You Focus Better

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” right? So, why do we forget this while preparing for admission into the best med school in NZ? We all are aware of the importance of outdoor activities for our physical and mental well-being. But, did you know that such activities are all the more important if you are wondering how to do well in the UCAT?

Good memory and cognitive flexibility are the keys to the most important question – how to pass the UCAT exam! Studying for long hours at a stretch impacts just these abilities, affecting your retention powers and leading to mental fatigue and loss of concentration. To make the most of the best UCAT preparation course, add some outdoor activities to your daily routine.

What Happens When You Play Outdoor Games?

When you are engaged in rigorous outdoor games like football, tennis or badminton, you are focused on the game so much that your mind is cleared of all other worries. Your brain is refreshed, making it ready to learn new things and retain the information as well. Cleaning up the mind is essential if you wish to pick up information faster.

Even if you go for a run, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated and therefore are able to concentrate on your UCAT preparation course even more. Also, when the mind is clear, you need minimum effort to absorb things. You will be able to solve UCAT example questions quickly and more efficiently than you would with a tired mind.

The Mind and Body are Directly Related

Outdoor activities go a long way in improving memory and concentration power. Continuous hours of studying can often lead to frustration and anxiety. Solving UCAT practice questions takes brain power and concentration, which are always better when you are stress-free. Outdoor activities not only make you more physically fit, but they also act as stress busters, releasing endorphins, which are the feel-good hormones. When you achieve a good balance between your mind and your body, it is likely to have a positive impact on your exam performance.

How Walking Helps
Walking is the simplest outdoor activity. but offers long-term impacts. Strolling in a calm and quiet environment can help you get rid of worrying thoughts and focus solely on things that matter to you. It also acts as a mood booster by calming the mind and relieving stress. You can listen to your favorite music while walking, which will only add to the positive experience.

Coaching institutions like ICanMed offer tried and tested advice on how to pass the UCAT, while also offering UCAT example questions and guidance for the interview. So, add to the positives of outdoor activities by enrolling in the best UCAT preparation course.