While education needn’t be confined to a desk or classroom, research has shown that people choose a wide variety of unusual places in which to study. Topping the list of unconventional locations is in bed with a partner, as chosen by 26% of British adults in a survey conducted by distance learning specialist Home Learning College*.
The growth of air travel has created another very modern study location, with a fifth of Brits using plane journeys as an opportunity for learning. The Northern Irish and Scots are most likely to take advantage of this travel time, with 35% and 28% respectively having studied mid air.
Social settings, such as pubs and night clubs or wedding and birthday venues, come third – with 12% of the vote - despite not providing a particularly conducive atmosphere for absorbing information. This figure rises to 16% in the North East, maintaining the region’s reputation for a love of socialising.
Less popular, but significantly more dangerous, is the fact that 6% of respondents owned up to studying while driving. This figure varies across the country, from just 3% in the East Midlands and East Anglia to 9% in Wales.
The research suggests that people are keen to maximise their working hours too. Bosses may be interested to hear that almost of third of Brits (32%) admit to studying on their employer’s time.
“Learning is most effective when people are comfortable and engaged,” says Dave Snow, Academic Director at Home Learning College. “While for some this may be within a structured environment, such as sat at a desk, others prefer a less formal approach that maximises their time to the greatest advantage. This is where distance learning is most advantageous, allowing people to plan their study around their personal and professional commitments.
“Having said that, some situations clearly aren’t going to deliver the best results, such as in a hectic social setting or while driving a car. If you can’t give your studies your full attention then it’s best to set your books aside and wait for a more suitable opportunity.”