Learn to concentrate, focus

Good concentration skills are a must for every student. Instructors expect students to absorb what is discussed in class and keep up with readings outside of class, practices that are impossible to accomplish without a certain degree of focus.

Many students, though, often struggle with maintaining an appropriate level of concentration, both during class and while studying.

"I try to pay attention and take good notes, but sometimes I go home and look over my notes from class and I can't remember exactly what they mean," said junior child development major Jessica Brines. "I think sometimes I get so caught up in taking notes that I forget to focus on what the notes are about."

Sophomore Josh Brannon complains of a similar problem. "A lot of times I'll read over a chapter and then get to the end and realize that I don't remember what the chapter was really about," said Brannon. "My eyes were moving across the page, but somewhere along the line my mind just floated off to something else."

The problems faced by Brines and Brannon are common ones among students. While the primary function of college is to facilitate learning, the college environment offers many distractions that can easily inhibit serious concentration.

Fortunately for students, there are a few things that can be done to improve concentration, most of which involve the reduction of distractions.

For effective study, the first thing to do is to create an ideal study area, according to Dr. Anne Reith, author of several books on student success. Reith suggests finding a spot that is well lit (at least two sources of light) and uncluttered. Your area must also be quiet; television and radio are out of the question, and it is often best to isolate yourself from others who are not studying.

The table needs to be big enough to accommodate all materials, and the chair should be comfortable, but not too comfortable. Also, Reith urges students to have ready all materials and supplies needed for study, so as to minimize interruptions during the study period.

It is also important to mentally prepare for a study session. Before getting started, relax, take some deep breaths, and make a mental to-do list of what you need to accomplish. Set realistic goals, dividing your work into small, manageable units. Prioritize your goals and visualize yourself as capable of full concentration.

Once the session has begun, Reith recommends being an active learner; take notes as you study, talk out loud to yourself as you study, experiment with different study techniques to find out what works best for you, walk around as you read or recite, and quiz yourself, inventing questions you think the instructor might ask during class or on an exam.

Also, be aware of physical and environmental conditions. If your study spot becomes distractive, then take charge. Move to a different location if the noise level rises, clean your workspace if it becomes to cluttered, unplug the phone, and let others know that you do not want to be disturbed.

Concentration in the classroom is very similar to concentration during study time. Sit at the front of the class and think about the development of ideas. Think about how the ideas being discussed are related, and ask questions at the appropriate times.

It is also important to create an interest in what is being discussed, even if the topic is not particularly interesting. Reith suggests pretending that you are a reporter who must write an article on the lecture.

Finally, avoid substances such as prescription and nonprescription medications, alcohol, drugs, and even caffeine; these can hinder your ability to concentrate and shorten your attention span.

If you still have trouble with concentration after trying these tips, talk to your instructor and/or an ECU counselor about how your study habits can be improved.

This writer can be contacted at features@theeastcarolinian.com.