Arranging Space

The Desk

Choose a large desk with a lot of space, not just space for your computer. The picture shows a fair amount of open space for laying out notes, textbooks, etc. Also, there is enough space to leave materials out to come back to later when you're feeling inspired. Finally we can't forget the broad range of subjects taken in the Diploma Programme: one moment you are working a protractor, using your TI-84 to calculate an angle, checking the textbook to be certain, and recording your process in your notebook, the next moment you are referring back and forth between your art sketchbook and the two-dimensional canvas where you are sketching out a human form with all your various pencils, charcoals and erasers on your table.

The Idea Center

Whiteboards (Dry Erase Boards) and cork boards are so effective for storing ideas and thinking visually. Where do you put all your scraps of paper, sticky notes or month-long calendar? Something hung right in front of you will help you to organize your thoughts, time and tasks effectively.

The Organization Station

Your going to need shelves and drawers and cabinets to store all the homeworks, graded assignments, support documents and other materials distributed to you in all of your classes. A drawer for each subject would be ideal with file folders within to separate documents of different types. A set of shelves for textbooks makes a lot of sense too, because you can't be consuming all your desk space for objects not currently in use.

The Computer

A computer is critical to being productive, but it can at the same time be the greatest threat to productivity in your room. The computer needs to be reliable, saving files when you want them saved, remaining charged when unplugged and not restarting spontaneously. It should also have enough space, both RAM for doing multiple tasks at once as well as hard drive storage for all the digital files you need for school. It should have consistent WIFI access, but perhaps doesn't need to be fully integrated; you don't need to go the extra step to have your computer provide you instant updates from social media while you're trying to focus on your school work.

Light and the Living Environment

A window that lets in a fair amount of sunlight and a few plants to add some green color around you will help with your productivity. Getting enough sunlight will keep you stay wide awake and attentive while working and sets you up to fall asleep at a reasonable time when your body needs to start producing Melatonin. Plants will add a fresh, clean feeling to the air around you and will keep your brain inspired with contrasting colors to all the black, white and gray of your school materials.

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Markman, Art. "Create a Good Environment for Studying at Home." Parent Partnership. Edutopia, 20 Mar. 2012. Web. 16 May 2015. <http://www.edutopia.org/blog/good-environment-home-study-art-markman>.

Neidlinger, Julie. "How To Make The Space For Creativity In The Workplace - Todaymade Blog." Today Made. Today Made, 27 June 2012. Web. 16 May 2015. <http://todaymade.com/blog/how-to-make-the-space-for-creativity-in-the-workplace/>.