CoNcEnTrAtIoN

 Your ability to focus and maintain your attention while performing specific tasks.  Manage your learning by eliminating distractions.  Using methods to maintain your focus on the task at hand. What is Concentration?

 Concentration is about managing your learning and directing your attention to achieve your academic goals.  Become aware of yourself.  Know your environment.  Positive and negative influences of your concentration. Understanding Concentration

 Have you ever had the experience of reading a book and suddenly realizing that you might have been moving your eyes across the page, but you were actually distracted and you did not really know what you were reading?  Who is responsible for concentration?  Instructor?  Textbook?  Neighbors?  Me? Thinking about your Concentration

 Have you ever found yourself “tuning out” in class even though the subject was interesting?  Things that distract you from focusing or maintaining your focus on your academic tasks: Thinking about your Concentration Cont’d

Concentration vs. Attention Attention gives direction to our thinking and behaviors, concentration helps us keep our attention focused on what we need to be doing to reach our goals. What’s the difference?

 Anything that decreases your ability to concentrate on a task that you are trying to perform is a distraction.  What distracted you from seeing the gorilla in the film?  What are YOUR distractions in class, studying for a test or reading a textbook?  TV, Facebook, Twitter, radio, cell phone, Pinterest, Instagram  Falling behind in your coursework  Being sleepy  Hunger  Worrying about an upcoming test  Friends or Family  We need to become aware of our distractions because we can only concentrate on a limited number of things at one time. Concentration Distractions

 What are some internal distractions that could affect your academic success?  ADD/ADHD  Feeling Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired? (HALT)  What are some external distractions that could affect your academic success?  Take care of business, get things in order, focus on becoming healthy and tie up loose ends before taking on a difficult task, exam, or semester Internal/External Distractions

 There are three steps to improving your concentration.  1. Developing awareness.  2. Reflecting on our experiences.  3. Taking control and taking action. Strategies for Studying

 Develop an interest in what you are studying.  Set a goal for studying.  What is your short-term/long-term goal? Interest, Goals And Concentration

 Study in the same place, (NOT IN BED)!!!  Too noisy at home? Try the HCC Library!  Organize the information you are studying.  Breakdown the information into smaller parts.  Take short breaks in between studying. How Can I Concentrate When I Feel So Overwhelmed?

 Focus your concentration by actively participating.  Try to think about relationships among what you are studying now, your prior knowledge, and material you want to learn.  Take thorough notes to help you focus during class.  Try to eat well, get adequate sleep, and follow a regular sleep pattern Suggestions from other students on Concentration