A skill that will be used for the rest of your life is learning to concentrate. It is a skill you use while studying and can be applied to any kind of work. The key to concentration is focusing on the task at hand to eliminate any possible distractions. It is common to read through material and discover you have no idea what you have just read or, attend presentations and have difficulty paying attention to what is being said. To help you stay focused here are some suggestions.
When scheduling, try to stick to a consistent and efficient routine. If possible avoid studying at different times. Studying one day late at night and the next day in the afternoon is counter-productive. Once decided, avoid conflicts, by marking down these times in a scheduler or on a calendar.
Where you study needs to be quiet. Find a designated study spot free of distractions. This is so necessary that if you live in a noisy house or dormitory you may even have to go to a study room like the library outside your residence.
You need to remember to take study breaks. Take about a 10 minute break for every hour. Make it anything different in a different location. Get up and walk into another room and listen to music, grab a snack, or play a game. This brief rest is needed to refresh the mind so it does not wander.
Day dreaming can easily become a struggle while studying. Thinking about plans for the night or tomorrow’s events is not uncommon. Avoid daydreaming by asking yourself questions about the material as you study it. This will keep your mind focused.
A separate but related subject is presentations. If you have trouble focusing during presentations look over the notes of any related talks. Also read the material pertaining to the presentation beforehand so you can anticipate the main ideas that will be covered. Make yourself show outward interest. Having an attentive expression and posture will self-motivate internal interest. Just as it is important to resist distractions with study it is equally important during presentations. By sitting in front of the room you are away from disruptive occurrences and people. This move will allow you to focus on the presenter.
You will find that by learning this skill you have increased the control you have over some of the factors that govern your life. Only a few minor adjustments in your studying habits can go a long way in improving your concentration.
Showing posts with label study process. Show all posts
Showing posts with label study process. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Every Learning Process Has a Beginning and an End
Are you not sure what to take notes on? Does it stress you out to look over your notes? Do you get stressed when you prepare for tests? If the answer is yes to any of the previous questions here are some suggestions to take you through the studying process.
Before going to any lecture, read the assignments. This builds a background for the information that will be presented. It will give you some familiarity with vocabulary and concepts, which can be especially helpful if the subject matter is unfamiliar. Try to make time to actively read. As you go over the material, underline and highlight important information. If you don’t have time to read the entire assignment, skim the material. This way you at least have some advance knowledge of the important points.
It may seem so rudimentary that it does not need to be said but I have to say it anyway. You need to go to the lecture and take notes. Most presenters will emphasize points of importance. Be ready, be attentive and write during the entire class. Don’t stop taking notes until the lecturer is done. Since many presenters will cram any information that they missed into the end of the lecture you will need to pay attention until they are finished. When you take notes use abbreviations. Whether you use a standard shorthand or your own private system, get as much detail as you can.
As soon as possible after the lecture look over the notes and make any additions or corrections while the material is still fresh in your mind. Pay special attention to any parts you didn’t understand or missed. Ask someone else who was there for help so you can fill in the missing information.
Try to boost self-confidence by passing all your first quizzes. Make up a list of study questions and definitions and practice saying this information aloud. You can do this by yourself or with another person. Study for short periods over several days instead of waiting and trying to cram everything in in the last minute. Finish with a review the night before.
When exam day arrives use the following strategies to make all your hard work pay off. It is important not to be hasty. Take the time, before you begin, to read directions carefully and look over the test. Start by answering all the questions you know first. Getting the questions that you are certain of out of the way will not only get you sure points but also help build confidence. Now start over at the beginning and be careful not to leave any blanks. At least try to answer even if you are not sure. It is better to have an answer that might be correct instead of leaving the space blank and certainly incorrect. Be aware of the time and manage it. Don’t rush, but don’t go too slow. Finally, after you have completed the exam, take a few minutes to it look over to be sure you have answered all questions and that your answers make sense.
By investing a small amount of effort in the process from the beginning you will enjoy the rewards at the end.
Before going to any lecture, read the assignments. This builds a background for the information that will be presented. It will give you some familiarity with vocabulary and concepts, which can be especially helpful if the subject matter is unfamiliar. Try to make time to actively read. As you go over the material, underline and highlight important information. If you don’t have time to read the entire assignment, skim the material. This way you at least have some advance knowledge of the important points.
It may seem so rudimentary that it does not need to be said but I have to say it anyway. You need to go to the lecture and take notes. Most presenters will emphasize points of importance. Be ready, be attentive and write during the entire class. Don’t stop taking notes until the lecturer is done. Since many presenters will cram any information that they missed into the end of the lecture you will need to pay attention until they are finished. When you take notes use abbreviations. Whether you use a standard shorthand or your own private system, get as much detail as you can.
As soon as possible after the lecture look over the notes and make any additions or corrections while the material is still fresh in your mind. Pay special attention to any parts you didn’t understand or missed. Ask someone else who was there for help so you can fill in the missing information.
Try to boost self-confidence by passing all your first quizzes. Make up a list of study questions and definitions and practice saying this information aloud. You can do this by yourself or with another person. Study for short periods over several days instead of waiting and trying to cram everything in in the last minute. Finish with a review the night before.
When exam day arrives use the following strategies to make all your hard work pay off. It is important not to be hasty. Take the time, before you begin, to read directions carefully and look over the test. Start by answering all the questions you know first. Getting the questions that you are certain of out of the way will not only get you sure points but also help build confidence. Now start over at the beginning and be careful not to leave any blanks. At least try to answer even if you are not sure. It is better to have an answer that might be correct instead of leaving the space blank and certainly incorrect. Be aware of the time and manage it. Don’t rush, but don’t go too slow. Finally, after you have completed the exam, take a few minutes to it look over to be sure you have answered all questions and that your answers make sense.
By investing a small amount of effort in the process from the beginning you will enjoy the rewards at the end.
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