The Geography of Learning

Put simply, geography is the study of how an environment shapes the activity of its inhabitants. For example, in Colorado, the mountains shape where people live, what they do, how they produce food and other goods, and how they identify themselves. Of course, whether or not you have actually thought about the direct impact the mountains have on your lives, they nevertheless shape your day to day activities and outcomes.

For students, it is important to take the lessons of geography to heart. Your environment will shape your ability to learn. Do you put yourself in a positive environment for learning?

In this metaphor, your environment includes who you surround yourself with, where you sit in the classroom, where you study, where you go after class is out, and what your home looks like. All of these factors have the ability to shape your motivation, your focus, your concentration, and your vision.

Some suggestions for using geography to your advantage: 

1. Sit or stand somewhere in class that you feel comfortable and able to focus.

2. Study somewhere with limited distractions (noise, clutter, other things to do).

3. Surround your living space with motivating pictures, words, or other mementos that define your vision of success.

4. Do the people and places you visit outside of college lift you up or drag you down?

5. Set aside time in a place you find peaceful in order to reduce stress and anxiety.