Most students report dissatisfaction with their ability to concentrate: they may have trouble getting down to work in the first place or feel that they never work as efficiently as they would like. While it is impossible to concentrate 100% of the time, it is possible to minimize external distractions and to begin to work on internal ones
| TRY |
Seriously examining your place of study. Make what changes you can, or consider the cafeteria, library or an empty classroom. |
| HOW? |
Does it have adequate lighting? (A light bulb in your face can cause eye strain.) Does it have adequate ventilation? (Lack of circulating air can make you sleepy.) Does it offer space and comfort? (You need a clear desk for writing and a comfortable chair for reading.) Is it too warm or too cool? (Both extremes of temperature can make you sleepy.)
Are there too many line-of-sight distractions? (Some students cannot work with a bed or pictures from home in view.) On the other hand, does it feel like a sterile prison? (Some students work more efficiently with their doors open.) Are there too many audio distractions? (Some music may be fine but loud rock with lyrics is stupefying.)
Do friends find and distract you easily? (Hide, or learn to say "No, I'm studying," either by pre-established signals or by sheer force of will.) This is all very personal and individual; find out what works for you. |
| TRY |
Establishing a regular routine of eating, sleeping and exercise. |
| WHY? |
Because the ability to concentrate depends on adequate sleep, decent nutrition, and the increase in well-being that comes with exercise. Students who maintain all three generally achieve higher marks. |
| TRY |
Bringing interest in the material and a sense of purpose to the task. |
| WHY? |
Because human beings are bored by what is not relevant to them. Therefore, you may need to create relevance - by talking to others or by relating the material to what interests you. In addition, it helps to always sit down to work with a clearly defined purpose and task. |
| TRY |
Establishing rewards for accomplishments. |
| WHY? |
Because human beings work best with positive reinforcement. |
| TRY |
Starting a WORRY BOOK if frequent worrying undermines you. |
| WHY? |
Because worrying deals with issues of the past or future, and studying requires that you be clearly focused on the present. Writing your worries down initially helps to diminish them somewhat; setting aside time and problem solving around what you have written helps further. |
