The Joy of Uninterrupted Learning
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I'm not the type of person who can listen to music while learning or working on a project - I need silence - or as close to silence as I can get.
I am about to embark on a two year MSc in Psychology with the Open Uni, so I decided to see if I could join my local, Dundee University Library through SCONUL access (Society of College, National and University Libraries). Today I picked up my Dundee University library card and today I'm here writing this new blog post in glorious silence.
There's something about their hushed tones and vast resources, that feels almost sanctuary or retreat like for those seeking knowledge and introspection.
When you step into a library, you’re entering a world designed specifically for focus, learning and reflection. The atmosphere is serene, cocooned from the outside hustle and bustle. Here, you’re free to explore new ideas, engage with challenging texts, and enrich your understanding at your own pace. The absence of interruptions allows you to immerse yourself fully in your studies, creating a powerful learning experience.
A 2018 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that solitude can significantly enhance creativity and critical thinking, particularly in tasks that required insight and creative problem solving. When you're surrounded by silence, your mind has the space to wander and make connections between ideas. In contrast, distractions can fragment attention and reduce cognitive efficiency. As you learn in a library, the uninterrupted time fosters a sense of flow—the sweet spot where you lose track of time as you become deeply engrossed in your work.
The feeling of being unbothered as you learn can be incredibly gratifying. You not only absorb knowledge but also develop a strong sense of accomplishment. The library’s quiet sanctuary provides the perfect backdrop for thoughtful engagement with the material, leading to a richer understanding that transcends simple memorisation.
So, as I start on this next phase of my educational journey I'm going to view the library not just as a repository of books but as a haven for those committed to self-education and personal growth. I already appreciate that uninterrupted learning can lead to profound insights, so I'm going to enjoy the moments spent in this tranquil place where learning can be a journey unhindered by the chaos of everyday life.
When you step into a library, you’re entering a world designed specifically for focus, learning and reflection. The atmosphere is serene, cocooned from the outside hustle and bustle. Here, you’re free to explore new ideas, engage with challenging texts, and enrich your understanding at your own pace. The absence of interruptions allows you to immerse yourself fully in your studies, creating a powerful learning experience.
A 2018 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that solitude can significantly enhance creativity and critical thinking, particularly in tasks that required insight and creative problem solving. When you're surrounded by silence, your mind has the space to wander and make connections between ideas. In contrast, distractions can fragment attention and reduce cognitive efficiency. As you learn in a library, the uninterrupted time fosters a sense of flow—the sweet spot where you lose track of time as you become deeply engrossed in your work.
The feeling of being unbothered as you learn can be incredibly gratifying. You not only absorb knowledge but also develop a strong sense of accomplishment. The library’s quiet sanctuary provides the perfect backdrop for thoughtful engagement with the material, leading to a richer understanding that transcends simple memorisation.
So, as I start on this next phase of my educational journey I'm going to view the library not just as a repository of books but as a haven for those committed to self-education and personal growth. I already appreciate that uninterrupted learning can lead to profound insights, so I'm going to enjoy the moments spent in this tranquil place where learning can be a journey unhindered by the chaos of everyday life.