Long gone are the days when youngsters studied inside the four walls of their home for examinations. Several young students are taking their studies outdoors by opting for a new method of learning. They have coined the term ‘outdoor studying’ where a group of students get together in a public place such as a public park, coffee shop or playground to study.
With exams around the corner, they say it is ‘cool’ to study outdoors without any pressure from parents. Krishnaveni. R, a class 12 student says it is annoying when her mother and the parents of her friends constantly hound them to study since revision exams are ongoing. “We just lose concentration and feel like leaving for a coffee or walk. We figure that rather studying inside the house, why shouldn’t we opt for any public area, which helps us escape from parental pressure,” she says. Krishna has since begun telling her mother that she studies with a group of friends. They meet at a nearby gallery-cum-playground near her home. Krishna says students cannot study all the time and playing games helps when they feel bored.First year arts student Vittal Sharma echoes this feeling. A park helps students relax and boosts concentration. After returning from college in the afternoon, he meets up with friends at a park and they begin studying by 3 pm. “There isn’t too much of disturbance till 5 in the evening. When we are done, we relax by going for a small walk and then continue studying. This gives us a relaxed frame of mind and helps us concentrate,” he says. Some parents feel outdoor studying is fine. Latha Subramaniam says her daughter studies along with friends at library close by. “The library has a calm sit out which helps one to read peacefully. I don’t mind sending them to study in public areas. Wherever it is, as long as they study, I’m fine with it.”But some say students cannot focus on studies in public places because they will get distracted. Preethi. L, a Class 11 student, says while public areas are peaceful, students could get easily diverted. “When we study in our house, we don’t get distracted easily as we have no choice but to study.”
Shreesha s. reddy The Asian Age