Concentration Adapted from Dennis Congo (2000).

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 1.Intend to Concentrate Concentrating is easier when you have a specified time for study. Knowing how long you will study helps concentration. Consciously tell yourself “I will concentrate for ___ minutes.”

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 2.Prepare to Concentrate Have everything you need to complete your task Make sure you have your texts, notes, pens, study guides, etc…

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 3.Use Concentration Promoting Activities Prepare to rewrite and organize notes Create diagrams, graphs, study guides Summarize the material

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 4.Vary Your Study Activities If you have difficulty focusing on one subject for long periods of time, vary the subjects you study Take breaks in between study activities

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 5.Study in a Non-Distracting Environment Find one place, and use that place only for studying Remove visual and auditory distractions

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 6. Devise a Specific Study Plan for Studying and Learning A step-by-step plan makes it easier to concentrate Use a text book reading strategy

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 7.Eat Regular Well Balanced Meals Researchers find students with healthier diets earn higher grades Avoid too much sugar and caffeine Don’t take stimulants

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 8.Get Plenty of Sleep at Night Fighting off sleepiness negatively affects concentration.

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 9.Set Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Semester Goals It is easier to concentrate and self- motivate when you see yourself moving toward your goals

Ten Tips for Better Concentration 10.Take Regular Study Breaks It is normal that your concentration will wonder. When this happens, take a five minute break.

Improving Concentration Factors that Affect Concentration –TV/stereo, loud noise –Too comfortable seating –Friends, family, pets –Telephone –Music How to Control These Factors –Leave or rearrange the environment –Use the library or empty classroom –Study away from others and in silence

Improving Concentration –Hunger –Drowsiness –Dislike or disinterest in a class –Eat high protein or fruit snacks –Plan study times at optimum hours, get adequate sleep, exercise lightly to energize yourself –Join a study group, participate in class, ask questions

Improving Concentration –Anxiety about a class –Speak to instructor, tutors, other students –Examine if you are studying effectively –Assess whether the anxiety is cause by the class or personal issues –See a campus counselor

Improving Concentration –Intimidating assignments –Break the larger assignment into small manageable tasks –Tackle the most difficult part first –Reward yourself for progress –Work collaboratively

Improving Concentration –Daydreaming –When daydreaming write down those thoughts and refocus on the task at hand –Focus on identifying main ideas and details in text and notes –Make up questions –Stop studying and temporarily indulge in daydreaming focus on one thing