General Concentration Tips
- Stick to a routine, efficient study schedule.
- For a study break, do something different from what you’ve been doing (e.g. walk around if you’ve been sitting), and in a different area.
- Avoid daydreaming by asking yourself questions about the material as you study it.
- Show outward interest during class (attentive expression and posture) to self-motivate internal interest.
- Resist distractions by sitting in the front of the room away from disruptive classmates and focus on the instructor through active listening and note taking.
- Adapted from
- The Problem Solver by J.R. Hayes (1981)
For more tips check out the handout Concentration Tips.
The ABC’s of Studying
With so much information to learn, it is important to make your study sessions as efficient as possible. But, how do you do this? The ABCs of studying is one technique to help.
“A” time is for tasks that require maximum concentration. This time should be reserved for challenging assignments and complex information. Being alert and having a clear focus are essential for successful “A” time studying. Note, however, that we only have so much “A” time in a day. It is unrealistic to think that you will have 8 hours of “A” study time every day. Know your limit. Once you exceed your limit, your efficiency in studying will decrease.
“B” time is for less demanding tasks and homework, like reviewing material or routine assignments. You still need to set aside “B” studying time, but this will require less of a mental demand.
“C” time is used for repetition of material and reinforcement of concepts. “C” time can occur throughout odd moments in the day – waiting for the bus, sitting in class before lecture, or waiting in line.
Articles on Concentration
Top Ten Tips for Increasing Concentration
Concentration Clips
The Importance of Focus – Richard St. John
Top Scientific Ways to Improve Your Concentration
