Building CONCENTRATION skills can help you be more productive, bridge gaps in your knowledge and understanding, help you finish assignments on time, and make you feel more in control of your time and energy.
Keep a "Worry" notebook. Record random distracting thoughts while you work. Making a quick note and then returning to your studies keeps you focused and avoids traps like "I'd better do that now before I forget!"
If possible, avoid multitasking. Focusing on one task at a time is a more effective study method than trying to juggle multiple tasks at once.
Try using noise-cancelling headphones or listening to white noise. You can borrow noise-cancelling headphones from the Camosun libraries for two hours.
Do you study when you feel energized or when you're exhausted?
How can you create a comfortable space conducive for studying?
How do you stay focused on your work?
What can you do to eliminate distractions before you start working?
What rewards or incentives do you use to motivate yourself?
Many people have trouble concentrating, not just students. You can probably relate to many or even all of the following points:
When thinking about where you'll study, you should:
Create a place at home free of distractions.
The more you work in the same place, the less distracted you'll be.
Remove anything that might distract you: put your phone away, recycle your snack packaging, block distracting apps while you study, etc.
Do you prefer a quiet study area, or the bustle of a common area?
You can also borrow them from either Camosun library.
When you're studying, it's important to:
Extended study or writing sessions are exhausting and unproductive. Play a short game or take a short walk.
Have a clear plan before you start so your mind doesn’t have time to wander. If you think of something important, write it down and do it later.
Close your eyes and recall what you just read.
SLANT (University of Minnesota)
Sit up straight and pay attention.
Lean forward and communicate interest.
Ask questions when you don’t understand.
Nod and smile. (It helps your teacher know you're interested.)
Track what’s happening in the classroom.
If you have a documented disability that interferes with your concentration, consider contacting the Centre for Accessible Learning.
This list of assistive technologies provides recommendations to help you with a variety of challenges during college.
You have probably heard of Dyslexia, but what about...
Dyscalculia = struggles with math (Yes, it's a real thing!) (video)
Dyspraxia = struggles with balance and motor skills
Dysgraphia = struggles with handwriting
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