Working on Concentration

We all experience loss of concentration, no matter how interesting the subject. The key is to be able to minimize the problem, or remove or avoid the obvious contributory factors. The following will go a long way towards reducing concentration loss:

1. Understanding what you want to get from the learning is critical in helping you to focus. Once you have considered WHY you are taking the time and trouble to acquire the knowledge/skill you will need to draw up a list of questions regarding what exactly you want to know. This helps your concentration because you are focusing to learn the answers to your prepared questions. The link button below will take you to a section of this site where you will be able to assess your learning needs.

2. This relates to how you like to find the information, process that information, feel and behave in learning situations. For example, some people like to get the 'big picture' first and then build towards the detail, while others like to begin with the examples and details and work through to the overall picture. Some like theory before practice, whilst others don't. There are a number of ways for charting your learning style and this link will take you through this activity.

3. Here are some typical excuses for not being able to concentrate.
   • Fatigue
   • Hunger
   • Distractions (noise, interruptions,etc)
   • Not having the proper materials and resources.
   • Mind wandering
   • Worries, concerns, commitments or other 'baggage'.
   • Boring teacher / Book / CD ROM / Web Site (!) etc.
   • Add your own favourite

    

   Most of these problems can be eliminated by planning, time-management and taking control of your learning. Work with your study group to suggest ways of resolving these problems. Prepare a list of possible solutions and select someone to report back to the class

• Be Prepared: Think or read about the subject in advance and have some questions ready on what you would like to know. In this way you will focus to see if your questions are going to be answered. Have all necessary tools and materials to hand.
• Keep an open mind: Put any preconceived notions on hold until you have received the new knowledge and then address your questions and/or arguments for clarification before forming judgements or analysing the content.
• Develop Effective Listening Skills: Here's How:
• Use mind-mapping or similar method for taking notes: Here's How:
• Develop Effective Study Skills. Here's How:
• Take frequent breaks: No matter how interesting the subject or how interested we are in learning about it, our minds cannot stay focussed on any one topic for long. How long depends on the individual, but the recommended duration is 40-45 minutes per session before relaxing and doing something different for a time.
• Choose a Time when you feel most rested and relaxed. Are you a night owl or a morning lark? Adjust your study patterns to suit your personal preferences. When you have no choice about the time you learn, then make sure you go over the difficult concepts again when you are feeling alert.

What works for you? Work with your study group to make a list of what helps you to concentrate.