Study spaces: the JagWire suggests local locations to study

Panera

• While it is more of a drive, Panera is an ideal location to study. More than likely, you will be surrounded by others with the same objective of studying making for a quiet environment. While at busy times, the wifi is limited to a 30 minute use period, you are still able to bring a device to connect.

Black Dog Coffeehouse

• Right outside of Shawnee, Black Dog Coffeehouse will allow you to study surrounded by math books and the aroma of coffee beans. While it is about a 15-minute drive from Mill Valley, the coffee is just as great as anywhere else, and cheaper. So if you’re looking to study without seeing half of the Mill Valley student body, Black Dog is a good option.

Johnson County Library

• If you want to get away from the coffee shop feel and move to a quiet environment, the Johnson County Library is the ideal study spot. Along with the quiet study environment, the Johnson County Library offers individual study rooms. The Shawnee location offers rooms for groups of three or less, and the Lackman location for groups of six or less and 16 or less.

Country Club Cafe

• Right down the street from Mill Valley sits a cozy cafe that is a great, quiet environment for studying. There is a lot of seating, so busyness is not a worry. With friendly baristas and a menu full of great options, Country Club Cafe is good for studying of all kinds.

Study playlists: the JagWire star suggests a variety of songs for studying

http://open.spotify.com/user/1264685886/playlist/6Wi1uFb5qsHRkYjMvPOnK8

http://open.spotify.com/user/1264685886/playlist/4LsTX4tyBTI835znvUOS9V

Study apps: the JagWire suggests study apps for finals

Quizlet

• If you are looking for a fun way to study for your big tests, download the app Quizlet. This app helps you study by making virtual notecards, and lets you play educational games. Quizlet can help you with a variety of subjects from Chemistry to History to Spanish; all you have to do is put in information about your final. Quizlet is a free app that will make studying for finals a lot less dreadful.

Duolingo

• If you are taking a Spanish or French class this semester, the app Duolingo can be helpful for you. This app is enjoyed by sophomore Melissa Kelley as she uses the app for Spanish III and enjoys it.
• “It helps you learn a different language by reading, writing, speaking and listening,” Kelley said. “You just go through different lessons. It’s like a game.”

Study myths: The Best Colleges Organization gives its take on different study myths and tips

“Stick to print rather than electronics.”

• “The iPad causes 6.2% slower reading times than a printed book, the Kindle is 10.7% slower.”

“Listen to music while studying.”

• “If you will set Pandora to play ‘obscure 18th century composers,’ you’ll engage the parts of your brain that help you pay attention and make predictions.”

“Change your scenery.”

• “Moving to a different room to study improves retention, a big supporting factor for outdoor education.”

“Make logical connections.”

• “Known as contextual learning, this process entails a student putting information into a form that makes sense to him or her.”