(C) 2002 South-Western/Thomson Learning 1 SUCCESS SKILLS Strategies for Study and Lifelong Learning 2E by Abby Marks-Beale CHAPTER 3 Creating Concentration

SUCCESS SKILLS: STRATEGIES FOR STUDY AND LIFELONG LEARNING 2 CHAPTER 3 CREATING CONCENTRATION “Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” ---Abigail Adams

SUCCESS SKILLS: STRATEGIES FOR STUDY AND LIFELONG LEARNING 3 Concentration is the art of being focused--the ability to pay attention--a frame of mind that enables you to stay centered on the activity or work you are doing.

SUCCESS SKILLS 3.1 YOUR LEARNING INFLUENCES 4 YOUR LEARNING INFLUENCES Your location. Your state of mind. The external environment. Distractions. Type of written material. How the instruction is delivered. Purpose and usability of the material.

SUCCESS SKILLS 3.1 YOUR LEARNING INFLUENCES 5 MIND WANDERING: The enemy of concentration. The average college student’s concentration period while reading is only 16 minutes. Children may have concentration periods that may last for just 20 seconds. ---Becky Patterson, University of Alaska Some research findings:

SUCCESS SKILLS 3.1 YOUR LEARNING INFLUENCES 6 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CONCENTRATION FIRST--CATCH YOURSELF. Be alert and aware of your state of mind, and recognize when you begin to lose your concentration. THEN--DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. By reducing your mind-wandering behavior you will be able to learn more in less time with better understanding.

SUCCESS SKILLS 3.2 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS 7 CREATE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Choose a workplace that is conducive to concentration. Manage your clutter. Ensure good lighting. Create room temperature comfort.

SUCCESS SKILLS 3.2 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS 8 ELIMINATE DISTRACTING INFLUENCES Feed your body right. Do not eat and try to study at the same time. Background music--yes; words--no. Turn off the television. Hold the phone calls and .

SUCCESS SKILLS 3.2 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS 9 MAINTAIN YOUR FOCUS Move to a quieter place to avoid interruptions. Write down--and avoid thinking about-- other things you need to do. Take short, frequent breaks when you find your concentration slipping away. Set time goals--put a time frame around your work.

SUCCESS SKILLS 3.2 YOUR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS 10 TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF Develop positive self-talk. Get enough restful sleep. Eat well. Exercise. Learn and take advantage of your peak times of the day. Take care of your physiological needs.

(C) 2002 South-Western/Thomson Learning 11 SUCCESS SKILLS: Strategies for Study and Lifelong Learning Chapter 3 Creating Concentration Table of Contents Chapter 4 Presentation